Expedition Therapeutics
Principal Scientist / Director, Biology – Respiratory Research
Expedition Therapeutics, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Principal Scientist / Director, Biology – Respiratory Research
We are an innovative, science-driven biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for COPD and other serious neutrophilic inflammatory diseases. Our team combines deep discovery and development expertise with a nimble, collaborative culture to advance cutting‑edge programs from concept through clinical proof‑of‑mechanism.
Position Summary We are seeking a Principal Scientist or Director‑level Biologist with a strong background in respiratory pharmacology and translational medicine to lead preclinical research activities. This individual will design and interpret both in vitro and in vivo studies, manage external CRO partners, and provide scientific leadership across internal and external collaborations. The ideal candidate thrives in a small‑company, hands‑on environment—comfortable moving between strategy and execution—and brings both scientific depth and business awareness to help shape the company’s R&D portfolio and diligence efforts.
Key Responsibilities Scientific & Program Leadership
Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies supporting COPD and other respiratory indications.
Develop and refine disease‑relevant models (e.g., airway inflammation, protease imbalance, mucus hypersecretion, fibrosis).
Integrate mechanistic, pharmacodynamic, and biomarker data to guide target validation and compound optimization.
Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and development teams to define compound selection criteria and dosing rationale.
External Research Management
Lead and oversee CRO partnerships, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
Draft and review study protocols, reports, and data summaries for internal decision‑making and regulatory filings.
Identify and qualify new CROs or external experts to expand respiratory model capabilities.
Cross‑functional Collaboration & Support:
Contribute to pre‑IND packages and regulatory interactions, including nonclinical summaries and study design rationale.
Represent biology in internal portfolio reviews, steering committees, and investor/scientific presentations.
Provide scientific input for business development and partnering due diligence, including evaluation of external assets and assessment of novel targets.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, or related discipline with 8–15+ years of relevant biotech/pharma experience (title commensurate with experience).
Deep understanding of COPD and pulmonary biology.
Proven track record in designing and interpreting in vivo efficacy models of respiratory inflammation or remodeling.
Strong familiarity with translational biomarkers, including cytokine profiling, protease activity, immune cell dynamics, and histopathology.
Experience managing CRO‑based research, including study oversight, data QC, and vendor relationship management.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to convey scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in a resource‑limited, fast‑paced biotech environment with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
Preferred Experience
Prior experience advancing small molecule or biologic candidates through IND‑enabling studies.
Working knowledge of PK/PD, toxicology, or biomarker‑driven patient selection.
Exposure to scientific diligence or external partnership assessments.
Why Join Us
Opportunity to make a direct impact on programs shaping the future of respiratory disease treatment.
Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with direct visibility to leadership and investors.
Competitive salary, equity participation, and full benefits package.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Science
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary We are seeking a Principal Scientist or Director‑level Biologist with a strong background in respiratory pharmacology and translational medicine to lead preclinical research activities. This individual will design and interpret both in vitro and in vivo studies, manage external CRO partners, and provide scientific leadership across internal and external collaborations. The ideal candidate thrives in a small‑company, hands‑on environment—comfortable moving between strategy and execution—and brings both scientific depth and business awareness to help shape the company’s R&D portfolio and diligence efforts.
Key Responsibilities Scientific & Program Leadership
Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies supporting COPD and other respiratory indications.
Develop and refine disease‑relevant models (e.g., airway inflammation, protease imbalance, mucus hypersecretion, fibrosis).
Integrate mechanistic, pharmacodynamic, and biomarker data to guide target validation and compound optimization.
Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and development teams to define compound selection criteria and dosing rationale.
External Research Management
Lead and oversee CRO partnerships, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
Draft and review study protocols, reports, and data summaries for internal decision‑making and regulatory filings.
Identify and qualify new CROs or external experts to expand respiratory model capabilities.
Cross‑functional Collaboration & Support:
Contribute to pre‑IND packages and regulatory interactions, including nonclinical summaries and study design rationale.
Represent biology in internal portfolio reviews, steering committees, and investor/scientific presentations.
Provide scientific input for business development and partnering due diligence, including evaluation of external assets and assessment of novel targets.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, or related discipline with 8–15+ years of relevant biotech/pharma experience (title commensurate with experience).
Deep understanding of COPD and pulmonary biology.
Proven track record in designing and interpreting in vivo efficacy models of respiratory inflammation or remodeling.
Strong familiarity with translational biomarkers, including cytokine profiling, protease activity, immune cell dynamics, and histopathology.
Experience managing CRO‑based research, including study oversight, data QC, and vendor relationship management.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to convey scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in a resource‑limited, fast‑paced biotech environment with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
Preferred Experience
Prior experience advancing small molecule or biologic candidates through IND‑enabling studies.
Working knowledge of PK/PD, toxicology, or biomarker‑driven patient selection.
Exposure to scientific diligence or external partnership assessments.
Why Join Us
Opportunity to make a direct impact on programs shaping the future of respiratory disease treatment.
Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with direct visibility to leadership and investors.
Competitive salary, equity participation, and full benefits package.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Science
#J-18808-Ljbffr