Associate Director - Immunology

ModeX Therapeutics is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Director (Immunology) to play a leading scientific role in the discovery and preclinical development of novel multispecific biologics for immunology/inflammation and immuno-oncology indications. The successful candidate will play a central role across the full discovery lifecycle; from identifying therapeutic concepts and designing differentiated multispecific molecules through mechanistic characterization, candidate selection, and advancement into IND-enabling development.

This individual will provide scientific and strategic leadership, work closely with cross-functional teams, and help translate innovative biology into IND-ready therapeutic candidates.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation immune therapies in a fast-paced and collaborative biotechnology environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific, strategic and people leadership for multispecific therapeutic programs in immunology/inflammation and immuno-oncology, from early ideation through IND-enabling development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a collaborative, rigorous and high-performing team culture.
• Bring forward new therapeutic ideas and pipeline opportunities with a particular focus on immunology and inflammation disease areas.
• Identify and evaluate novel targets, target combinations, mechanisms, and multispecific formats aligned with the company’s research and pipeline strategy.
• Develop differentiated therapeutic concepts with clear biological hypotheses, candidate profiles, translational rationale and experimental strategies.
• Lead target validation, molecule characterization, lead optimization, and candidate-selection activities.
• Design and oversee robust in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to evaluate mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, target engagement, pharmacology, and translational relevance.
• Generate integrated data packages supporting preclinical development, IND-enabling studies, regulatory documentation, and external partnering activities.
• Identify scientific, technical, and translational risks and develop mitigation strategies to support program progression.
• Collaborate closely with protein engineering, antibody discovery, translational sciences, CMC, clinical, regulatory, and business-development teams.
• Ensure scientific rigor, data quality, and clear documentation across experimental design, data interpretation, and program decision-making.
• Monitor emerging scientific and competitive developments and incorporate relevant insights into research strategy and portfolio planning.
• Present program strategies, results, recommendations, and risks to research teams, senior leadership, collaborators, and external partners.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Immuno-Oncology or a related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant research experience, including at least 5+ years in a biotech or pharmaceutical R&D environment.
• Extensive expertise in immunology and immuno-oncology disease biology, supported by a demonstrated track record of advancing therapeutic programs and a strong scientific publication record.
• Experience in developing multispecific antibodies, immune-cell engagers, antibody-based therapeutics, or other complex biologic modalities is strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership in early-stage drug discovery, including target identification and validation, in vivo/ex vivo pharmacology, and IND-enabling studies.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing scientific teams, including managing scientists or research associates while providing strategic direction across cross-functional discovery programs.
• Expert-level proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry is required, including panel design and optimization, assay development, instrument setup, data analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex immune-cell phenotypes.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed, including supporting critical experiments, troubleshooting assays, and helping the team meet key program milestones.
• Proven ability to develop integrated research strategies, establish program priorities, and make data-driven decisions under uncertainty.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts, recommendations, and risks.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple…