Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the design and development of DARPin therapeutics for medical challenges other drug modalities cannot readily address. Founded in 2004 by a group of PhD students from the University of Zurich, we are a team of about 180 dedicated and passionate colleagues with operations in Switzerland and the U.S. DARPin (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein) therapeutics are a new class of custom-built protein drugs based on natural binding proteins that open new dimensions of multi-functionality and multi-target specificity in drug design.

DARPin therapeutics have been clinically validated across several therapeutic areas, including oncology, ophthalmology and virology, and we have programs in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development, spanning immuno-oncology and targeted Radio-DARPin therapy.

Through our 20 years of leadership and experience with DARPins, as well as through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Orano Med, we are committed to bringing novel, life-changing therapies to patients.

We seek passionate, creative, and dynamic individuals to join us on our mission.

The Head of Lead Generation (LG) – Pipeline Projects is a key role within Molecular Partners, responsible for leading the team that drives DARPin generation activities within our pipeline projects. This position is pivotal in advancing the technical aspects of pipeline projects from initiation to the selection of a therapeutic lead candidate for the IND-enabling phase. Scientific guidance and mentoring of LG project team members to continuously improve and achieve audacious goals will be a key aspect of this role. The role involves close collaboration with senior leadership, project leaders, function leaders and interdisciplinary teams to drive cutting-edge science, apply leading technologies, develop effective strategies for achieving project goals.

This challenging and diverse position will include the following tasks and responsibilities:

Strategic and Scientific Leadership:

• Provide content and strategic leadership to LG project team members ensuring innovation, quality, and effectiveness for pipeline project success.

People Leadership and Team Development:

• Mentor and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability to achieve critical  project decision points efficiently.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-function team of function leaders and project leaders to align on project needs, technology advancements, and strategic goals.

Organizational Development:

• Establish processes and systems to enhance team performance and quality, resolving performance impediments through structured reviews and deep dives.

Operational Leadership:

• Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and long-term planning to align with company strategy.

For this position, we are looking for a highly motivated individual bringing along:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Min. 10 years experience in preclinical research of protein therapeutics and protein engineering in an industry setting.
• Experience in generation of targeted therapeutics such as antibody drug conjugates, radio ligand therapeutics or immune cell engagers is considered a plus.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and execution.
• Strong tactical and scientific skills to develop smart lead generation approaches combined with organizational skills to drive complex drug discovery projects to successful outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire across all levels of the organization.

This position summary is not intended to be all inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Partnership and collaboration are at the core of our company, our research activities and our product candidates. Molecular Partners offers an international working environment and the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding individuals from numerous disciplines, who contribute to our shared goals of moving beyond boundaries, focusing on what matters, and contributing to our community. We foster true innovation and creative thinking to advance our therapeutic product candidates and continue to be inspired by the difference we can make for our patients. At Molecular Partners you will discover a challenging job, inspiring colleagues and a true purpose. If you are interested in working at Molecular Partners, we are looking forward to hearing from you! Please submit your detailed curriculum vitae via our career portal.

We only accept online applications.

Please note Molecular Partners AG operates a list of preferred recruitment partners. For those partners who have no valid, signed agreement in place with Molecular Partners AG, all unsolicited resumes, CVs, anonymous profiles, or any other candidate details submitted through our website or to personal e-mail accounts of employees of Molecular Partners AG (including any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or related companies) are not subject to payment of any form of introduction, placement or referral fees.

Molecular Partners AG, Wagistrasse 14, CH-8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland.

www.molecularpartners.com