Role Overview for VP of Immunology – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the life sciences sector, is proud to partner with a pioneering, clinical-stage biotechnology company based in the vibrant San Diego, CA biotech hub. We are actively seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Vice President of Immunology to join their innovative leadership team. This is a critical leadership role that will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and execution of the company’s immunology research and development efforts. The successful candidate will be a scientific leader with a profound understanding of immunological principles, disease mechanisms, and the drug discovery and development process, eager to translate groundbreaking science into transformative therapies for patients.
As the VP of Immunology, you will lead and expand a world-class team of scientists, guiding them through target identification, validation, and the advancement of novel therapeutic candidates from early discovery through preclinical development. You will be responsible for defining and driving the immunology research strategy, ensuring scientific rigor, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record of bringing immunology programs forward in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of immunology, leading a dedicated team, and making a significant impact on human health, we encourage you to explore this exceptional opportunity in one of the nation’s leading biotech ecosystems.
This position offers the unique chance to contribute to a company with a robust pipeline and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs through cutting-edge science. You will report directly to the Chief Scientific Officer and play a pivotal role in the executive leadership team, influencing key decisions that will shape the future of the company’s therapeutic portfolio. Your expertise will be crucial in building strategic partnerships, engaging with key opinion leaders, and representing the company at scientific conferences and investor meetings. Join us in San Diego, where innovation thrives and scientific breakthroughs are a daily pursuit.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Immunology – San Diego, CA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define, articulate, and execute the overall immunology research strategy, aligning it with the company’s broader scientific and business objectives. Establish a clear vision for the immunology pipeline, identifying novel targets and therapeutic approaches with high potential.
Research & Development Oversight
Lead and oversee all aspects of immunology discovery and preclinical development programs, from target identification and validation through lead optimization and IND-enabling studies. Ensure the application of cutting-edge scientific methodologies and technologies.
Team Building & Management
Recruit, mentor, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of immunologists and research scientists. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven environment that encourages scientific excellence and professional growth.
Pipeline Progression
Drive the progression of multiple therapeutic candidates through various stages of preclinical development. Oversee the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo studies to characterize drug candidates, understand mechanisms of action, and demonstrate efficacy and safety.
Scientific Expertise & Rigor
Serve as the internal and external subject matter expert in immunology. Provide critical scientific guidance, evaluate new technologies and research opportunities, and ensure the highest standards of scientific rigor and data integrity across all programs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate extensively with other departments, including Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Process Development, and Business Development, to ensure seamless integration and progression of programs.
Budget & Resource Management
Manage departmental budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure timely and cost-efficient execution of research plans. Optimize resource utilization to maximize scientific output and pipeline value.
External Engagement & Partnerships
Represent the company at scientific conferences, present research findings, and engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic collaborators, and potential partners. Identify and evaluate new scientific opportunities and technologies through external collaborations.
Intellectual Property & Publications
Contribute to the generation of intellectual property through patent applications and support the publication of scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the company’s scientific reputation.
Regulatory & Compliance
Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to ensure that all preclinical studies and data generated meet regulatory standards for IND submissions and other regulatory filings. Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and best practices in research.
Requirements for the VP of Immunology – San Diego, CA
Education
Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline is required. Post-doctoral experience is highly desirable.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, specifically within immunology-focused drug discovery and development. This must include at least 5-7 years in a significant leadership role (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing scientific teams and programs.
Deep Scientific Expertise
Extensive and current knowledge of immunology, including innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, immuno-oncology, and/or infectious diseases. Demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to novel therapeutic target identification and validation.
Drug Development Track Record
Proven track record of successfully advancing immunology programs from early discovery through preclinical development and ideally into early clinical stages (IND submission). Experience with various therapeutic modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, cell therapies) is a strong plus.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to build, mentor, motivate, and manage high-performing scientific teams. Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and drive results in a matrixed environment.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop and implement innovative scientific strategies, prioritize projects effectively, and make data-driven decisions that align with business objectives. Proven problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to scientific challenges.
Communication & Presentation Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, scientific teams, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
Regulatory Understanding
Familiarity with regulatory requirements for preclinical drug development and IND-enabling studies. Experience interacting with regulatory agencies is beneficial.
External Network
Established network within the academic and industry immunology community. Ability to identify and leverage external expertise and forge productive collaborations.
Location
Ability to work on-site in San Diego, CA. Relocation assistance will be provided for qualified candidates.
Passion for Innovation
A genuine passion for advancing immunology research and a commitment to translating scientific discoveries into meaningful treatments for patients.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that their success is driven by the talent and dedication of their employees. They are committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being, financial security, and professional growth of their team members. As the VP of Immunology, you will receive:
Highly Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and a performance-based annual bonus.
Equity Ownership
Significant stock options or restricted stock units, allowing you to share directly in the company’s success and growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with a significant employer contribution.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match, helping you plan for your financial future.
Generous Paid Time Off
Flexible vacation policy, ample sick leave, and paid company holidays to ensure work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
Comprehensive relocation package for candidates moving to the San Diego area.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, including conference attendance, workshops, and access to scientific journals and resources.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Work in a modern, well-equipped laboratory environment utilizing cutting-edge technologies and instrumentation.
Collaborative Culture
Be part of a highly collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment focused on scientific excellence and patient impact.
On-Site Amenities
Access to various on-site amenities, which may include fitness centers, cafeterias, and recreational areas.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to lead critical programs that have the potential to deliver life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished and driven immunology leader ready to make a significant impact at a forward-thinking biotechnology company in San Diego, we invite you to apply. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of immunology research and contribute to the development of novel therapies for serious diseases.
Please submit your comprehensive resume/CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy to JRG Partners. We are conducting interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications.
For more information on our executive search services in this specialized area, please visit our Life Sciences & Biotechnology Executive Search practice area page.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
