Executive Director, Head of Late-Stage Biology and Preclinical Development Lead

About Generate:Biomedicines

Generate:Biomedicines is a new kind of therapeutics company – existing at the intersection of machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine – pioneering Generative Biology™ to create breakthrough medicines where novel therapeutics are computationally generated, instead of being discovered. The Company has built a machine learning-powered biomedicines platform with the potential to generate new drugs across a wide range of biologic modalities. This platform represents a potentially fundamental shift in what is possible in the field of biotherapeutic development.

We pursue this audacious vision because we believe in the unique and revolutionary power of generative biology to radically transform the lives of billions, with an outsized opportunity for patients in need. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

Generate:Biomedicines was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering and has received nearly $700 million in funding, providing the resources to rapidly scale the organization. The Company has offices in Somerville and Andover, Massachusetts with 300+ employees.

The Role:

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Director to head our Late-Stage Biology group and drive Preclinical Development at Generate. This leader will oversee a diverse and innovative team (ranging from Research Associate to Director) supporting drug discovery and development programs across multiple therapeutic areas, from Lead Candidate Selection through IND. In this role, you will work cross-functionally to guide programs from late discovery through preclinical development, enabling program success and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Positioned at the intersection of preclinical and clinical development, you will advance promising molecules—engineered by our AI/ML-driven protein generation platform—through the Development Candidate stage gate, lead IND-enabling activities, and partner with the clinical organization to deliver highly differentiated therapeutics into the clinic. The ideal candidate is both a proven scientific leader and a bold innovator—driven to transform patient outcomes through disruptive science and discovery, enabled by our transformative AI/ML protein generation platform. 

Here's how you will contribute:

• Provide strategic leadership to realize Generate’s vision of an end-to-end, AI-driven drug discovery and development engine. You will push the limits of AI-enabled Biotherapeutic Drug Discovery and Development 

• Translate AI/ML-generated molecules into differentiated clinical candidates across multiple therapeutic areas. 

• Lead the Late-Stage Biology group, defining its vision and strategy within the Drug Design & Preclinical Development organization. 

• Partner with the Clinical Drug Development organization to transition fully characterized candidates into first-in-human studies. 

• Oversee all Preclinical Development activities, in collaboration with Clinical Drug Development, including biomarker development, mechanistic studies, IND-enabling datasets, regulatory documentation, and toxicology studies. 

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Protein Sciences, Early-stage Biology, Therapeutic Assay Sciences, and Clinical Development. 

• Foster a high-performance, innovative, and collaborative culture. 

• Present strategies and findings to executive leadership and represent Generate at scientific conferences and in external collaborations. 

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field, or B.Sc./M.Sc. with Ph.D.-equivalent professional experience. 

• 10+ years of biotech/pharma experience in drug discovery and preclinical development, with 7+ years of leadership experience managing scientific teams and projects. 

• Proven track record of advancing programs through preclinical development to IND and beyond. 

• Broad expertise in disease biology across two or more therapeutic areas, including oncology. 

• A passion for emerging technologies and a demonstrated tech-centric approach to drug discovery and development, as well as a can-do attitude and flexible mindset are essential! 

• Extensive experience with regulatory documentation (INDs, IBs, non-clinical study reports, etc) and effective collaboration with clinical and regulatory functions. 

• Experience with in vivo models and PK/PD modeling, as well as toxicology studies, is strongly preferred. 

• Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional influence skills. 

• Strong communication skills and experience working with CROs and external partners. 

Why Join Us

You’ll help redefine what’s possible in drug discovery by advancing breakthrough therapeutics created through our AI/ML-powered platform and shaping how we translate novel biology into transformative therapies. This is an exciting opportunity to drive preclinical innovation, and collaborate with visionary colleagues across discovery, development, and technology all in pursuit of better outcomes for patients.

Generate:Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Generate:Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Generate:Biomedicines or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Generate:Biomedicines and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.