VP, Research

Here at Kelonia Therapeutics, we aren’t just a preclinical company; we’re trailblazers in viral engineering, pushing the boundaries of in vivo lentiviral gene and cell therapy. We're not just a team; we're dreamers on a mission to bring the promise of cell and gene therapy to every patient in need.

At Kelonia, we've gathered a group of pioneers in cell and gene therapy to lead our journey, with extraordinary scientific founders at the helm, providing the cutting-edge technology that sets us apart. We're not just building a company; we're cultivating a culture—one that values both skill and care.

Are you ready to be a part of our remarkable journey? We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join our growing team as Vice President of Research. This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape a pioneering gene therapy pipeline, drive innovative science from target selection to IND, and make a transformative impact on patients’ lives. If you’re passionate about building teams, delivering breakthrough programs, and helping scale a company from the ground up, this is your moment to leave a lasting mark. Join us and be a driving force in achieving excellence in viral engineering.

• Own discovery through DC nomination for gene therapy programs, setting portfolio mix, stage gates (target triage – DC), and clear kill criteria aligned to runway and value inflections.
• Oversee a portfolio of programs, guiding project leaders and cross-functional teams to achieve scientific, clinical, and business objectives.
• Inspire, lead, and cultivate a high-performing team pioneering new therapeutics, fostering growth through strategic development, mentorship, and a culture of excellence that drives innovation and results.
• Set strategic standards for program planning, resource allocation, and execution; ensure project plans, budgets, and timelines align with corporate priorities and portfolio goals.
• Communicate a compelling research vision, narrative, and roadmap to the executive team, Board, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Build and scale organizational leadership capabilities, establishing operating cadences, documentation discipline, and reproducibility culture.
• Represent the company externally in KOL engagements, business development diligence, scientific forums, and investor/board meetings; contribute to publications that enhance scientific credibility.

• PhD in Biology, Engineering, Medicine, or related Life Sciences discipline, with deep scientific expertise and broad leadership experience.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership in biotech, biopharma, or life sciences, including proven success in shaping and executing portfolio strategies, advancing innovative cell and gene therapies against novel targets to the IND stage across diverse therapeutic areas.
• Strategic insight into the competitive and regulatory landscape for autoimmune, inflammatory, and related diseases, enabling informed portfolio decision-making.
• Comprehensive expertise in preclinical PK/PD/efficacy relationships and their translation to the clinic, with a track record of integrating scientific, clinical, and commercial considerations to guide development.
• Preferred expertise in the design, production, and characterization of lentiviral vectors (LVVs) for preclinical and clinical gene therapy applications.
• Demonstrated success in creating and executing discovery and development strategies that deliver robust, cost-effective support for the company’s growth and long-term pipeline sustainability.
• Influential leadership skills with the ability to inspire, align, and develop leaders across all levels of the organization, fostering a high-performance culture grounded in scientific rigor and innovation.
• Proven ability to synthesize and apply scientific literature, research data, intellectual property considerations, and competitive intelligence to guide strategic program direction.
• Executive presence and communication skills to engage credibly with boards, investors, strategic partners, and scientific leaders worldwide.

At Kelonia, we are dedicated to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and our benefits are designed to reflect that commitment. Alongside Flexible Time Off (FTO), we offer a flexible scheduling environment that empowers employees to work in a way that aligns with both their needs and our company’s objectives. We also provide a team-focused environment with a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, commuter benefits, and more. At Kelonia, we foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace where you can join a small team that values both talent development and achieving company goals.

Kelonia Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law. Kelonia does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Job Type: Full-time 

Work Type: On-Site M-F 

Location: Boston, MA