Job Description:

Kelonia Therapeutics is seeking a strategic, highly accomplished scientist and enterprise leader, with a track record of translating science into medicines, to join the team as Chief Scientific Officer. The ideal candidate will have the following mix of personal and professional characteristics: PhD in a relevant disciplineExperience working in gene therapy, gene editingCRISPR, andor RNAi requiredSeasoned and strong leader with extensive experience building high-performing teams and mentoring scientists at all levelsExperience designing and leading IND-enabling studies, with a track record of translating science into medicinesCOMPANY OVERVIEWKelonia Therapeutics is a preclinical, biotechnology company pioneering a new wave of genetic medicines using its in vivo gene placement system (iGPS). Kelonia was founded with the mission of making genetic medicine accessible to every patient in need, when and where they need them. Despite life-changing responses, existing gene therapies are highly complex, costly, and limited by complicated treatment paradigms, tractable therapeutic applications, and dose-limiting toxicities. By enabling precisely targeted, highly efficient, manufacturable "off-the-shelf" in vivo delivery, Kelonia's technology has the potential to revolutionize gene therapy and dramatically expand the impact and reach of genetic medicines to every patient in need and can be applied to a broad range of diseases. Launched in April of 2022, Kelonia is backed by a strong grouping of investors, including, but not limited to, Alta Partners, Horizons Ventures, and Venrock. Kelonia will use current funding to redefine what is possible for genetic medicines, with an initial focus on an "off-the-shelf" chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to treat hematologic cancer that may enable the unrivalled clinical benefit of CAR T without the typical toxicities and with the ease of access of conventional medicines. Kelonia is also advancing other programs for oncology and non-oncology indications and will further expand its gene delivery platform and capabilities. In addition, Kelonia recently announced a research collaboration and license agreement with Astellas Pharma to develop novel immuno-oncology therapeutics. With this agreement, Kelonia will receive $40 million upfront for the first program, an additional $35 million should Astellas exercise its options for a second program, potential milestones and contingency payments approaching $800 million in total, and R&D funding for work performed in the collaboration. THE POSITIONKelonia seeks a strategic, highly accomplished scientist and enterprise leader, with a track record of translating science into medicines, to join the team as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Reporting to the Chief Executive Office, Kevin Friedman, the CSO will be responsible for driving the discovery and preclinical development of Kelonia's platform through continuous innovation. They will be a key member of Kelonia's Executive Leadership Team, making substantial strategic contributions beyond their core function. Moreover, the CSO will play an important outward-facing role, advocating for the science underlying Kelonia's platform. Key responsibilities include:Oversee the development of strategic scientific plans for specific therapeutic areas for the company's overall portfolio and advancement of products through research.Lead the expansion of Kelonia's pipeline consistent with the company's strategic vision.Steer the R&D strategy of Kelonia's current and future pipeline to advance innovative and life-changing therapies for patients. Head Kelonia's existing research functions and build additional functions and teams as progress of the company's programs warrants.Aid in development of pre-clinical models and oversee all pre-clinical development research. Ensure a scientifically rigorous and independent review of projects at initiation and throughout their course. Represent Kelonia at scientific and industrial conferences and to the greater scientific community as needed.Work with other members of the Executive Team to develop a scientific and research vision and strategy that will support Kelonia's business objectives.Develop and manage operational budgets and capital plans in support of departmentalcompany objectives.Drive for excellence by continually seeking and implementing innovative solutions, create a culture that thrives on learning and inspire people to stretch beyond their comfort zone and take well-reasoned risks. Mentor and develop leaders at all levels and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the organization. The ideal candidate will have the following mix of personal and professional characteristics: PhD in a relevant discipline.Extensive experience working in discovery, preclinical development, andor translational medicine, in the biopharma industry, with multiple years of R&D management experience and a focus on developing superlative leaders.Experience designing and leading IND-enabling studies, with a track record of leading successful regulatory interactions and translating science into medicines.Experience working in gene therapy, gene editingCRISPR, andor RNAi.Track record of building high-performing teams and guiding organizations through times of change.Strong leadership skills and excellent interpersonal skills. High emotional intelligence to enable favorable group dynamics and the ability to influence others at all levels. A sense of urgency to deliver on aggressive timelines.The adaptability, flexibility, independence, and resourcefulness to both lead a big-vision strategy and be hands-on to drive the execution of projects in a growing, dynamic environment.The ability to articulate the company's R&D strategies and progress to a wide audience, including the Board of Directors, employees, patient groups, industry partners, and other stakeholders.Experience collaborating with academic and industry partners, and enthusiasm for building partnerships with key stakeholders.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.