Head of Programs & Partnerships

About Vivtex

Vivtex is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the science of oral peptide delivery. Our proprietary platform addresses one of drug development's most persistent challenges — making peptides orally bioavailable — unlocking new treatment options for patients who would otherwise require injectable therapies. With R&D teams in Boston and Zurich, we combine formulation science, high-throughput screening, computational chemistry, and drug delivery innovation to build a world-class technology platform. We a rapidly growing number of pharma and biotech partnerships (8 partners currently), and multiple internal programs. We are pioneers in the field of organ robotic interface screening and combine unique high throughput screening with computational tools and AI as well as relentless innovation and grit. We are a company of deep scientists who move fast, partner selectively, and hold ourselves to a high standard of intellectual honesty and cutting-edge innovation. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to join us and take ownership of how our programs run and how our partnerships succeed.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created, high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of science, project execution, and business development. As Head of Programs & Partnerships, you will own the operational and external-facing engine of Vivtex — ensuring that our R&D programs execute with rigor and speed, our partnerships are managed with excellence, and our pipeline of prospective collaborations grows.

This is not a project management role in the traditional sense. You will be expected to lead programs scientifically — to understand the experiments, challenge the thinking, and make informed judgment calls when programs need to be redirected. You will also represent Vivtex externally at peer level with scientists and business development professionals at large pharmaceutical companies.

If you are an exceptional scientist who has grown into a leader, energized by both the technical complexity of drug delivery and the commercial dynamics of biotech partnerships, and who thrives in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment — this role was designed for you.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Scientific Execution

· Lead cross-functional program teams spanning formulation science, high-throughput screening, computational chemistry, and innovation across the Boston and Zurich sites.

· Drive program strategy alongside scientific leads — understand the science deeply enough to identify when a program is off-course, when assumptions need revisiting, and when to escalate.

· Design and enforce clear decision frameworks: ensure experiments are scoped against well-defined success criteria and that data drives decisions.

· Develop and maintain integrated program plans covering timelines, resource allocation, risk registers, and budgets.

· Identify and resolve bottlenecks — scientific, operational, or resource-based — proactively and decisively.

· Champion AI-assisted tools for program management, data synthesis, literature monitoring, and workflow acceleration.

Alliance Management & Scientific Representation

· Serve as key relationship owner for all active pharmaceutical and biotech partnerships.

· Lead or co-lead scientific presentations — represent and communicate Vivtex's technology in a thoughtful and deep scientific fashion and have the ability to carry deep dive scientific discussions with high complexity effortlessly.  

· Conduct substantive discovery conversations with potential partners with a clear understanding of potential needs and synergies, structure collaboration frameworks accordingly.

· Write tailored and thoughtful SOWs, build project budgets, and frame the scientific and financial logic of proposed collaborations for CEO sign-off.

· Build and maintain network of key stakeholders in the field, have an up to date understanding of current emerging technology trends relevant to Vivtex.

· Represent Vivtex at relevant scientific and industry conferences.

What We Are Looking For

Education

PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field strongly preferred. An MS with exceptional directly relevant industry experience will be considered.

Experience

10–15 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a career arc from bench science into program leadership and external partnerships. Specifically:

· 3–4 years in oral drug delivery preferably with focus on macromolecules.

· Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary external pharma/biotech programs.

· Substantive alliance management experience.

· Experience in the interface between science and business.

· Strong management experience leading high-performing interdisciplinary teams.

What Will Distinguish the Best Candidates

· Background at a platform-technology startup company that emerged from concept to leader in the field with multiple large-scale Pharma/Biotech partnerships.

· Direct experience in oral peptide delivery or related modalities.

· Direct experience in HTP screening and machine learning.

· Comfort with AI-assisted scientific workflows

· Experience spanning both scientific and business development roles.

Operating Style

You lead through influence, not authority. You communicate with exceptional clarity — in writing, in meetings, and in presentations. You are intellectually curious and stay close to the science even as your responsibilities become more strategic. You are a builder who creates structure where there is ambiguity, and you find that energizing. You move fast and hold yourself and others to a high standard.

Other Requirements

This is an on-site position at our Kendall Square, Cambridge location. Hybrid-work possible. Occasional travel might be required.

Vivtex is an equal opportunity employer.