Early Development Program Lead – NH/NJ

About the Role

We're looking for an Early Development Program Lead to help us expand what's possible for patients with serious diseases. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Early Development Program Lead will serve as the scientific and operational leader for one or more early-stage biologic drug discovery programs. This individual will be an experienced leader in the translational clinical science space, will serve as the critical bridge between early research discovery and development, and will drive cross-functional project teams from target identification through candidate nomination, ensuring scientific rigor, strategic alignment, and on-time delivery of program milestones. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in biologics discovery (antibodies, fusion proteins, bispecifics, or related modalities) combined with strong project leadership capabilities.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to build, lead and coordinate cross-functional early research project teams including biology, protein sciences, pharmacology, DMPK, CMC, and translational medicine ensuring scientific input on antibody engineering, protein expression, lead optimization, and biologic characterization.

Leadership

• Provide strategic project leadership and oversight for the cross-functional team to spearhead the definition of project objectives.
• Lead cross functional definition and planning while also driving the scientific strategy for assigned biologic programs from target validation through Development Candidate Nomination with preliminary planning for IND-enabling studies.
• Integrate scientific data across disciplines to inform go/no-go decisions and candidate selection.
• Facilitate resource allocation and decision-making across functions with competing priorities and timelines.
• Set ambition and define & drive project strategy through key milestones; accountable for project timeline and resource execution to facilitate meeting deliverables necessary for project continuation.
• Lead identification and management of key risks across scientific, CMC, and clinical domains, including appropriate mitigation and contingency planning.

Project Management

• Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk registers with Program Management; lead cross functional discussions to develop early target product profiles (TPPs).
• Facilitate team meetings, drive decision-making, and ensure accountability across functions; prepare and present program updates to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Proactively identify and communicate risks and develop mitigation strategies to keep programs on track.
• Collaborate with portfolio management to ensure alignment with corporate strategy.
• Manage relationships with academic collaborators, CROs, and external partners supporting biologic programs along with internal subject matter experts.

Communication

Author and review key program documents including early (TPPs), project charters, and stage-gate packages; represent the program in internal meetings and in presentations to senior leadership.

Who You Are

You must have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Protein Sciences, or a related discipline with a strong foundation in biologics drug discovery. Additionally, you have:

• 15+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with demonstration of increasing levels of responsibility.
• 5+ years of industry experience in biologics R&D (post-doctoral experience may be considered).
• Demonstrated hands-on technical expertise in one or more of the following: antibody discovery/engineering, protein expression & purification, bispecific antibody platforms, or related biologic modalities.
• A proven track record of leading cross-functional project teams in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.
• Strong understanding of biologic drug development processes including CMC, DMPK, and regulatory considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to evolving technologies, tools, and business priorities, with a proven track record of pivoting strategies in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written), with proficiency in translating complex scientific, clinical, or business data into clear, concise, and persuasive narratives tailored to the audience's level of expertise.

Where You'll Work

This is a fully remote role. It can be performed effectively from anywhere while staying connected to your Insmed team and community. Occasional travel for team meetings or events will be expected. This position involves occasional domestic and/or international travel (approximately 10%).