Head of Discovery Research

We are seeking a Head of Discovery Research, to focus on advancing differentiated targeted delivery approaches. The position sits across AAV biology, viral vector engineering, receptor biology and translational discovery research.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary discovery activities from early concept through functional validation, with responsibility for receptor selection, ligand discovery and engineering, delivery optimisation, and in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation. The role requires someone who can balance scientific innovation with pragmatic biotech execution, ensuring research activities generate robust, decision-enabling datasets that support internal prioritisation, external collaborations and future therapeutic development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the scientific strategy and execution of targeted delivery discovery research
• Build and prioritise discovery roadmaps across receptor selection, ligand discovery, vector engineering and functional validation
• Drive receptor identification, ligand discovery/engineering and vector-ligand conjugation strategies from concept through experimental validation
• Oversee in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of targeted delivery approaches
• Ensure discovery activities generate robust, reproducible and decision-enabling data
• Contribute to broader research strategy, including prioritisation of delivery approaches, indications, biological targets and expansion opportunities
• Assess new opportunities based on scientific differentiation, translational feasibility, resource requirements and development relevance
• Monitor emerging technologies, competitor programmes and scientific literature across gene therapy, AAV engineering and targeted delivery
• Work closely with CMC, IP, preclinical and translational teams to ensure research outputs are compatible with manufacturability, analytical feasibility and future development
• Integrate multidisciplinary discovery functions, setting shared priorities, scientific standards and clear cross-functional communication
• Provide scientific leadership for external academic, biotech and pharma collaborations, including defining scope, deliverables and expected outcomes
• Manage discovery research budgets, resources and timelines
• Mentor and develop scientific talent across the discovery organisation

Experience required

• 10+ years’ industry experience across gene therapy, targeted delivery, viral vector engineering or closely related fields
• Strong experience in AAV biology and engineering is essential
• Proven experience progressing discovery or platform programmes from concept through functional and in vivo validation
• Experience leading multidisciplinary discovery teams in a biotech or industry environment
• Strong understanding of targeted delivery biology, receptor selection, ligand engineering and translational discovery
• Experience working closely with CMC, IP, preclinical and translational teams