Associate Director, Preclinical Pharmacology

The Company

Verve is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company established with a mission to solve the global health epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Founded by world-leading experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics and gene-editing, Verve is pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, potentially transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines. The company’s initial three programs – VERVE-101, VERVE-102, and VERVE-201 – target genes that have been extensively validated as targets for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a root cause of cardiovascular disease. VERVE-101 and VERVE-102 are designed to permanently turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver and are being developed initially for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and ultimately to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients not at goal on oral therapy. VERVE-201 is designed to permanently turn off the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver and is initially being developed for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and ultimately to treat patients with refractory hypercholesterolemia. In 2024, Verve was named a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe for the fourth consecutive year. Verve is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Position

Verve is seeking an innovative and driven Associate Director of Preclinical Pharmacology to join our team focused on cutting-edge gene editing technology. In this pivotal role, you will lead a team tasked with carrying out preclinical pharmacology efforts to advance our therapeutic programs from discovery through IND submission. You will design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies to characterize the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety profiles of novel gene editing therapeutics, collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring groundbreaking therapies to patients.

We are considering local candidates at this time.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists to design, oversee, and interpret preclinical pharmacology studies, including efficacy, and PK/PD (pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics) for gene editing therapeutics.
• Develop robust in vivo and ex vivo models to assess therapeutic candidates and inform dose selection and therapeutic windows.
• Analyze and present preclinical data to internal and external stakeholders, including leadership teams, regulatory agencies, and partners.
• Work closely with research, bioinformatics, toxicology, and regulatory teams to integrate pharmacology data into program strategies and IND-enabling studies.
• Manage relationships with CROs (contract research organizations) to ensure high-quality and timely execution of outsourced studies.
• Provide scientific expertise and contribute to regulatory filings, including IND submissions, in alignment with project timelines.
• Mentor and manage junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in gene editing, pharmacology, and related fields to ensure the company’s approaches remain at the forefront of scientific innovation.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or similar field.
• At least 9 years of relevant experience in preclinical pharmacology. Ideally within gene editing, gene therapy, or related biotech sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, in vivo models, and translational research, particularly related to gene editing or genetic therapies.
• Proven track record of leading preclinical programs from early discovery to IND submission, including biomarker identification.
• Experience with CRO management and external study collaborations.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent presentation skills, and is detail oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive program success.
• Experience with a variety of bioanalytical assay technologies for LNP and nucleic acid drug substances (qPCR, NGS).
• Possess excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills paired with the ability to provide constructive feedback.
• Regulatory experience supporting IND submissions or similar filings with the FDA or international regulatory agencies.
  
  

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please consider applying anyway. We want the best candidates for the job, and those candidates don’t always meet 100% of the qualifications listed. At Verve, we are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams who embody the values we share: grit, spirit, drive, and passion. We look forward to learning more about your unique background.

EEO Statement

Verve Therapeutics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Verve Therapeutics does not accept agency resumes unless contacted directly by internal Verve Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Verve employees or any other company location; Verve Therapeutics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.