Head, Discovery

Head, Discovery

Cambridge, MA, US

9 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

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Aera Therapeutics was founded by a world‑class team of scientists, investors, and company builders with a shared vision to unlock the potential of genetic medicines across a broad range of modalities and therapeutic areas. We strive for excellence and an industry‑leading position in our chosen delivery platforms, while aggressively hunting for opportunities where enabling delivery technologies can unlock applications of high, unmet medical need.

Leveraging deep expertise in the space, Aera has a leading LNP platform that enables today’s applications, while investing in and developing a potentially disruptive antibody oligonucleotide conjugate platform to enable tomorrow’s applications.

We are looking for a passionate, hands‑on leader to serve as our Head of Discovery. This is a highly visible role that requires a strong and influential leader who will be responsible for building and executing Aera's scientific discovery engine. You will collaborate with all levels of the organization and represent the discovery strategy to key stakeholders. You will bring experience leading and motivating high‑performing scientific teams, making sound strategic decisions, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

This is an onsite position reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer.

• Lead a team of ~16 researchers to advance multiple discovery programs leveraging the targeted LNP and antibody oligonucleotide conjugate platforms developed at Aera.
• Oversee lead identification efforts for each target from in vitro screening through large animal model validation.
• Help identify or build disease models, establish new assays for each program, and characterize pharmacology of lead candidates through DC nomination.
• Support preparation of preclinical study reports and regulatory filings, provide updates on discovery programs for senior partners.
• Represent Aera at conferences or with external academic or industry partners.
• Serve as the discovery representative on the leadership team.

• PhD with 10+ years of industry experience.
• Experience advancing programs from idea stage and early discovery to clinical development.
• Experience with mRNA or oligonucleotide lead identification and state‑of‑the‑art delivery approaches (LNP or conjugate).
• Well versed in disease models across therapeutic areas (e.g. cardiology, immunology, hematology) while continuing to learn new biology and evaluate novel targets.
• Transparent, positive management style who can mentor project leaders and motivate the team to operate urgently to advance programs.
• Commitment to our Core Values:
  Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Impact.

The approximate salary range for this role is $240,000 - $270,000.

Our salary ranges are determined by job scope, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position as posted. Within the range, individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including job‑related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and business need. In addition to the base salary, eligible employees will have an opportunity to participate in an annual cash bonus, equity incentives, and a robust benefits offering that includes health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid sick and vacation time, life and disability insurance, and commuting expense reimbursement.

Aera Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.