Head of WARF Therapeutics at Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Head of WARF Therapeutics at Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Lead the next chapter of WARF Therapeutics by building on proven success and leveraging world-class research to transform human health.
Location: Madison, WI
About the Role
WARF seeks a dynamic leader to serve as Head of WARF Therapeutics to build on our established program. In this role you will identify new potential druggable targets, advance an existing pipeline of assets, and shape the strategy of the program to further WARF’s mission to enable University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) research to solve global challenges through commercialization and strategic partnerships. You will provide strategic and scientific leadership for our drug discovery portfolio, guiding projects from target identification through IND-enabling studies. Leading a highly skilled, agile team, and collaborating with external research organizations, you will strengthen and expand an innovative pipeline through partnerships with UW-Madison, the Morgridge Institute for Research (Morgridge Institute), and a network of distinguished collaborators. The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead scientific and operational strategy and portfolio management for drug discovery programs.
- Oversee all stages of discovery including target validation, lead optimization, and candidate selection.
- Develop and execute strategies that align with WARF’s mission and drive assets toward commercialization for global health impact.
- Manage a small and highly skilled pharma-experienced internal team and partner with proven external contract research organizations to successfully advance projects.
- Build and maintain strong collaborations with scientists and researchers at UW-Madison and Morgridge Institute, advisory and board members, as well as stakeholders across the biotech industry.
Qualifications and Key Leadership Attributes
- Ph.D. in a life sciences discipline, preferably in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, drug metabolism, toxicology, or related field. MD and/or MBA is a plus.
- Proven experience in drug discovery and development, including activities from target identification through IND-enabling studies.
- Demonstrated ability to set and execute a strategic vision that builds upon WARF Therapeutics’ established strengths, advancing the pipeline and driving portfolio growth through thoughtful enhancement rather than disruption.
- Proven leader of high-performing professional teams, known for creativity, scientific rigor, and effective collaboration with external partners.
- Ability to build connections, trust, and credibility across internal, scientific, and industry collaborators.
- Ability to influence and unite diverse teams through exceptional communication and collaboration.
- Experience with applying strategic business insight to scientific partnerships and global opportunities.
- Balances and integrates strategic vision with precision and accuracy.
- Ability to foster productive partnerships and collaborations within an academic environment.