SVP, Immunology

Senior Vice President, Immunology

Waltham, MA

Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for people living with cancer without the systemic side effects of current I-O treatments. The company is using its proprietary platform to advance a pipeline of novel, tumor-activated clinical and preclinical I-O molecules that are designed to optimize the therapeutic index by localizing anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment.

The Senior Vice President, Immunology will lead the strategy and execution of immunology and immuno-oncology research at Xilio, working collaboratively with colleagues across the company and with outside partners to advance the company's pipeline of tumor-activated I-O molecules and to extend the platform's reach into adjacent immunology applications. The role spans target identification and validation, candidate profiling in complex immunology assays and translational immunology — from early discovery through IND-enabling activities and into clinical development support.

This is a highly visible role with important leadership responsibilities extending beyond management of the immunology function, including oversight of external collaboration programs, business development and KOL engagement.

The high performing professional who fills this position must bring deep scientific expertise in immunology, a track record of leading drug discovery programs to the clinic, and the judgment to set scientific priorities in a fast-paced, resource-disciplined environment. The role requires someone who can immediately contribute to ongoing programs while also shaping where the immunology function and the platform go next.

The Senior Vice President must engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company and do so as an effective communicator, collaborator, and developer of scientific talent.

The position will report to Xilio's Chief Scientific Officer and join a talented and experienced research and development organization. He/She/They will work closely with colleagues across research, translational science, clinical development, CMC, and regulatory, as well as with an extended network of external academic collaborators, key opinion leaders, consultants, and CROs. Additionally, the Senior Vice President, Immunology will be responsible for hiring and developing additional immunology talent as the function grows.

Job Responsibilities:

I-O/Immunology Research Strategy

• Leads the I-O/immunology research strategy across the Xilio portfolio, ensuring that program priorities, target selection, and experimental approaches align with company strategy and the differentiated potential of the tumor-activated platform.
• Brings forward novel scientific approaches, target hypotheses, and program concepts, including opportunities to extend the platform into adjacent immunology applications where conditional-activation may create therapeutic window advantages.
• Monitors and anticipates scientific and competitive trends in immunology and oncology to inform program strategy and identify emerging opportunities in a timely manner.
• Ensures stakeholders are apprised of scientific developments that may impact program success, exercising sound judgment and communicating in a professional and timely manner. Anticipates and manages scientific risk.

Discovery, Preclinical, and Translational Science

• Oversees target identification and validation, development and execution of complex immunology assays, as well as translational immunology, ensuring scientific rigor and best practices across the discovery portfolio.
• Partners closely with Biologics, Drug Discovery, Translational Sciences and Non-Clinical Development to facilitate efficient progression of programs from discovery to development candidate selection and IND.
• Leveraging their immunology expertise, provides guidance on the design and interpretation of preclinical pharmacology, including target engagement, mechanism, and functional biomarker strategies that inform candidate selection, dose, and clinical translation.
• Col…