Director, Neuroscience Research & Drug Discovery

Position Summary: Verge Genomics is seeking a motivated and highly accomplished “drug hunter,” responsible for directing, managing, and leading basic research and drug discovery efforts for neurodegenerative diseases and leading multidisciplinary project teams. This position offers the opportunity to grow and lead a drug discovery program at an emerging biotech from the ground up, while establishing important external partnerships. As a member of the early team at Verge, you will be deeply involved in key strategic decisions and in organization of the research & discovery team, and help build the foundation of a revolutionary drug development model. Responsibilities : Play a key leadership role in expanding Verge’s drug discovery programs from inception to clinical candidate selection. Develop a neuroscience discovery group that will establish and employ innovative approaches to identify and validate small molecule therapeutics for neurodegeneration Work with an extensive network of CROs and academic partners for the design, analysis, and interpretation of key experimental data from target ID to clinical candidate selection. This will include helping establish the key assays by which novel biology and technology are created, and assist in transitioning these to specific pipeline drug candidates. Establish aggressive but achievable goals that will support the overall goals of neurodegenerative research group. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key opinion leaders and academic/industry partners. Mentor, train and direct PhD scientists in these efforts and assure their productivity Provide direction and vision to set the Neuroscience portfolio strategy and lead multidisciplinary scientific groups to drive compound specific discovery programs. Reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Requirements: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular Biology/Cell Biology or related fields Minimum 10 years of progressive industry experience in Neuroscience or Neuroscience-related areas, with significant contributions to the field as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national or international meetings Track record of overseeing development of candidates from target identification through IND-enabling studies Strong record of basic or translational research on neurodegnerative disease, with broad experience across a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo methods in neuroscience discovery Significant experience and comfort working in an outsourced model of drug discovery, including experience establishing and managing collaborative alliances with CROs, industry partners, and academic institutions. Successful track record of leading large teams or multiple groups Proven ability to hire, coach and develop world class talent Excellent leadership capabilities with demonstrated skill in building, guiding and motivating effective teams and fostering productive research collaborations Outstanding communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary scientific discovery settings. Preferred: Strong and established pharmacology background in interrogating mechanisms in vitro and vivo using genetics, small molecules and proteins. Demonstrated contributions to R&D efforts that have led to the development of clinical candidates Experience in establishing a linkage between human disease and developing biomarker strategies for integration and translation into clinical development plans. Ability to be a self-starter and to identify and communicate priorities in the absence of complete information.  Education : Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Molecular Biology/Cell Biology or related fields with minimum 10 years industry experience  Location : Must be based in the San Francisco area to work in person. Relocation available.                             Compensation : Compensation will be based on experience and include significant equity ownership. Full benefits & start-up perks provided. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and CV to careers@vergegenomics.com.