CSO

CSO / VP of R&D

San Francisco, CA

We are a well-funded biotech company that is redefining drug discovery and development through our fully integrated platform. We combine ultra-high-throughput microfluidics driven functional screening, computational engineering, and translational immunology into a unified engine. Rather than approaching drug development as a series of disconnected steps, we seamlessly integrate the discovery of novel targets, functional screening of binders, computational optimization, and predictive safety assessment to develop better and safer therapeutics. This end-to-end approach enables faster iteration, deeper biological insight, and the development of better drugs with greater precision and confidence.

The Role:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CSO/VP of Research is an accomplished scientific leader, who can professionally and effectively execute the research initiatives towards Shennon Bio's vision and strategy. This role will lead the R&D function on the therapeutics side and play a critical part in developing biopharma partnerships. An ideal candidate will be an R&D leader with a passion for immunotherapy and knows how to bring TCE candidates into the clinic.

This person will maintain professional and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external collaborators with an entrepreneurial & go-to-market mindset. Shennon Bio's vision of this candidate is an organized leader that has a self-starter attitude and a strong background in immune-oncology and TCE development.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the CEO and various advisors to scale and refine the pipeline for both external partnerships and in-house therapeutic programs.
• Lead the R&D team to refine the pipeline and drive lead candidates forward.
• Establish a strategic roadmap and present key data-driven insights to the CEO and the board.
• Lead efforts to scale the organization in the way of scientific talent, and capital equipment.
• Establish & maintain new relationships with external collaborators such as targeted clinicians, biotech and pharma leadership, and key opinion leaders in the field of immuno-oncology and immunotherapy.
• Organize strategic communications with the internal team and external partners, tailored specifically to Shennon's growth strategy and vision.
• Promote strong scientific excellence and foster an open culture of ideation, innovation, and deep scientific rigor.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. in a field related to immuno-oncology and 10+ years of industry experience in designing, managing, and leading R&D programs required.
• Domain Expertise in immuno-oncology and TCEs.
• Deep Expertise in directing TCE programs into the clinic.
• Proven ability in directing pre-clinical assets to successful IND and clinical trials
• Pre-established relationships with pharma companies and partners.
• Experience in scaling a pre-clinical company to commercial success with capital efficiency.
• Ability to plan decisions with discipline and possess an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Ability to present clearly and concisely to the executive team, board members, and external stakeholders as a thought leader and trusted advisor.
• Articulate and thoughtful communicator who effectively communicates across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and situational awareness, with the ability to exert influence and rally a team effectively
• Passionate about the startup environment, able to work from the ground zero to help develop the team and grow junior people
• Awareness of one's own strength and weaknesses, knows when and where to get assistance when needed. Low ego with a growth mindset.
• Ability to gauge each team member's strengths and weaknesses and know how to get the best out of each person in the team.
• Team player who can maintain professional and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external collaborators.

Company Culture: Collaboration, Ownership and Authenticity.