VP, Preclinical & Translational Medicine
Job Title: Vice President, Preclinical & Translational Medicine
Location: Cambridge, UK
Focus: mRNA/xRNA Therapeutics | Cardiometabolic Disease
About Eleven Therapeutics
Eleven Therapeutics is revolutionizing the field of nucleic acid therapeutics by integrating cutting‑edge RNA biology, combinatorial chemistry, and artificial intelligence to generate a programmable drug discovery and development platform. Our multidisciplinary team operates at the intersection of bioengineering, chemistry, genomics, and computational science. With a pipeline targeting cardiometabolic and endocrine disorders, we are at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics. We foster a culture of collaboration, diversity, and scientific excellence across our hubs in Cambridge (UK), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Boston (US).
The Opportunity
Are you a visionary translational scientist with a "get-it-done" startup mentality? Do you want to lead the charge in moving life‑saving xRNA therapies from the lab bench into the clinic?
We are seeking a high‑energy, hands‑on VP of Preclinical & Translational Medicine to bridge the gap between discovery and the patient. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of our pipeline’s transition into clinical reality. Working alongside our VP of Discovery, you will lead a lean, agile team (and a network of world‑class CROs) to validate our xRNA‑LNP platforms in cardiometabolic models. This is not a desk job, it is a role for a leader who thrives on data, loves troubleshooting complex biological puzzles, and isn't afraid to dive into the technical weeds to meet aggressive milestones.
Key Responsibilities
* The Bench‑to‑Clinic Roadmap: Define and execute the preclinical strategy to move lead xRNA candidates through IND‑enabling studies within aggressive timelines.
* Cardiometabolic Leadership: Design and oversee in vivo pharmacology and safety studies specifically tailored to metabolic disorders.
* Strategic Execution: Manage a minimal internal team and CROs to deliver high‑quality GLP toxicology and PK/PD data.
* Regulatory Architecture: Lead the preparation of preclinical and translational sections of IND/CTA filings, serving as the technical voice to global regulatory agencies.
* Biomarker Innovation: Develop "smart" biomarker strategies to provide early proof‑of‑mechanism in Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
* Cross‑Functional Bridge: Collaborate daily with our Chemistry, Discovery and computational biology teams to optimize LNP delivery and payload durability for cardiometabolic tissues.
* Culture of Rigor: Foster a culture of scientific excellence and high‑velocity decision‑making, ensuring every experiment is designed to "de‑risk" the platform.
What We’re Looking For
* Startup Grit: You have a track record in small‑to‑mid‑size biotech where you personally drove assets from lead‑op to IND. You are comfortable working with a lean team and making high‑stakes decisions quickly.
* Cardiometabolic Domain Expertise: You understand the physiological hurdles of treating metabolic disease and have experience with relevant animal models and clinical endpoints.
* Operational Agility: You are as comfortable reviewing raw data as you are presenting to the Board of Directors.
* Communication: Exceptional ability to collaborate across geographies (UK, US, Israel) and disciplines, translating complex biology for AI specialists and chemists alike.
* Preferred Qualification: mRNA Mastery: Deep expertise in nucleic acid therapeutics, specifically LNP biodistribution, mRNA expression kinetics, and the nuances of the innate immune response.
Qualifications
* PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
* 10+ years of experience in biopharma, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within agile startup, biotech, or pharmaceutical companies.
* Proven success in filing INDs/CTAs for nucleic acid‑based or LNP‑based therapeutics.
* A roll‑up‑the‑sleeves mindset, passionate about doing the work, not just managing it.
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