We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Virology to lead our efforts in virology, shaping and advancing novel therapeutic programs. This individual will serve as the virology lead and bring strong scientific expertise, program ownership, and a network of external collaborators to complement Neomorph’s internal capabilities. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of virology drug discovery, be highly self-directed, and capable of driving projects from target selection through selection of clinical candidates. This is a hands-off, strategic leadership role focused on external execution, with a strong emphasis on working with CROs and outside partners.

This is an onsite position based at our facility in San Diego.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Neomorph’s virology discovery strategy in alignment with the company’s overall R&D priorities.
• Own the virology pipeline and strategy based on scientific rationale, therapeutic potential, and unmet need.
• Design and oversee functional assay development and validation, leveraging external partnerships to run key studies not supported internally.
• Work with internal biology and chemistry teams to effectively prosecute virology drug discovery programs.
• Manage relationships with external CROs and academic collaborators to execute fee-for-service projects and advance programs efficiently.
• Think clinically and strategically to ensure program direction aligns with future patient population needs and translational opportunities.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 12 + years of relevant experience, MS with 15+ years or BS with 18+ years of relevant experience
• Proven track record leading virology small molecule drug discovery programs and working with external partners to advance therapeutic concepts.
• Broad and deep knowledge of diverse viral families, life cycles, and mechanisms of infection, with the ability to evaluate and prioritize targets across different virology indications.

• Strong external execution experience, including managing CROs or academic collaborations.
• Experience in functional assay development and target validation for viral targets.
• Ability to evaluate new targets, design experimental strategies, and guide projects toward key decision points.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working cross-functionally to advance research goals.
• Candidates from academia must demonstrate experience translating fundamental research into therapeutic concepts and leading complex, goal-oriented scientific programs.
• Candidates with prior experience working in the targeted protein degradation space are strongly preferred.

What we offer: 

• Industry competitive compensation
• Annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401K plan
• Career advancement opportunities
• Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates

Work Hard, Stay Well 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
• Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
• Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

Lifestyle

• Casual work environment
• Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
• Flexible work schedule
• Access to onsite gym
• Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard) 

Have Fun! 

We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values.  In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).

About Us: 

Neomorph is a venture backed biotechnology company solving critical problems in human health through the discovery and development of innovative new medicines against ‘undruggable targets’. Our team is comprised of industry leading experts in protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of ground-breaking discoveries in the field. We are committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of molecular glue drug discovery, while prosecuting a pipeline of projects through clinical development. Our patient-first, science-driven approach is complemented by our dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment. 

Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Notice to agencies: Neomorph will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting/search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at Neomorph via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Neomorph. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Neomorph as a result of the referral or through other means.