What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Medical Officer position at Zag Bio?
Benefits:
Zag Bio is developing next-generation antibody therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Our approach uniquely targets the thymus to induce central tolerance, pioneering a new strategy for immune regulation. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of co-founder Diane Mathis (Harvard Medical School), and launched in partnership with Alan Crane (Polaris Partners), Jo Viney (Seismic Therapeutic), and John Kulman (Zag Bio), we are advancing our first program in Type 1 Diabetes with Series A funding that positions us to enter the clinic. Our long-term ambition is to transform the treatment of a broad range of autoimmune and immune-driven diseases to benefit patients and their families. At Zag Bio, we are charting unexplored territories together, guided by a culture of collaboration, growth, and truth.
The Role
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) will be a key member of Zag Bio’s executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing the clinical development strategy across our pipeline. This hands-on leadership role requires deep expertise in autoimmunity, early clinical development, regulatory strategy, and biomarker-driven medicine. Reporting to the CEO, the CMO will play a pivotal role in advancing our lead program in Type 1 Diabetes while helping define the broader portfolio strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Zag Bio is proud to foster a values-driven environment built on respect and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunities at this time.
- 401(k)
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Stock options plan
- Vision insurance
Zag Bio is developing next-generation antibody therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Our approach uniquely targets the thymus to induce central tolerance, pioneering a new strategy for immune regulation. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of co-founder Diane Mathis (Harvard Medical School), and launched in partnership with Alan Crane (Polaris Partners), Jo Viney (Seismic Therapeutic), and John Kulman (Zag Bio), we are advancing our first program in Type 1 Diabetes with Series A funding that positions us to enter the clinic. Our long-term ambition is to transform the treatment of a broad range of autoimmune and immune-driven diseases to benefit patients and their families. At Zag Bio, we are charting unexplored territories together, guided by a culture of collaboration, growth, and truth.
The Role
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) will be a key member of Zag Bio’s executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing the clinical development strategy across our pipeline. This hands-on leadership role requires deep expertise in autoimmunity, early clinical development, regulatory strategy, and biomarker-driven medicine. Reporting to the CEO, the CMO will play a pivotal role in advancing our lead program in Type 1 Diabetes while helping define the broader portfolio strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall clinical development strategy and execution, starting with a therapy for Type 1 Diabetes.
- Drive regulatory strategy and lead direct interactions with FDA, EMA, and other health authorities.
- Design and oversee early-phase clinical trials on a global basis, including biomarker-driven proofof-mechanism studies.
- Represent Zag Bio externally with investigators, key opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups, investors and potential partners.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with research, translational science, and program teams to integrate scientific insights into clinical development strategies.
- Provide clinical leadership in tolerizing and Treg-modulating therapies as well as antibody-based approaches for autoimmune disease.
- Drive operational excellence in clinical trial design and execution while maintaining a pragmatic, action-oriented culture.
- Partner with the executive team on business strategy, portfolio prioritization, and long-term planning.
- Play a key role in business development by providing clinical leadership in support of partnerships and investor interactions, helping to position Zag Bio’s programs for strategic growth.
- Recruit, mentor, and grow the clinical/medical function as the company scales.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethics, safety, and scientific rigor.
- MD or equivalent; board certification in immunology or relevant autoimmune specialties strongly preferred.
- 10 years of demonstrated experience in the clinical development of autoimmune disease therapies in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting, with Type 1 Diabetes expertise highly desirable.
- Proven track record driving innovative therapies through early clinical development and regulatory engagement.
- Hands-on experience with tolerizing or Treg-modulating therapeutic strategies in the setting of autoimmune disease.
- Experience in antibody therapeutic development.
- Deep experience in designing and implementing novel, scientifically driven biomarkers in early clinical trials, with the proven ability to demonstrate engagement of mechanisms and generate decision-enabling data.
- Strategic and Insightful: Anticipates challenges and opportunities; develops creative strategies to maximize therapeutic impact.
- Hands-On and Pragmatic: Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial capital efficient setting; willing to roll up sleeves to get things done.
- Collaborative: Works effectively across disciplines and values input from diverse perspectives.
- Engaging and Credible Communicator: Builds trust and inspires confidence with colleagues, partners, and external communities.
- Driven and Adaptable: High sense of urgency, resilience, and adaptability in a fast-paced startup setting.
Zag Bio is proud to foster a values-driven environment built on respect and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunities at this time.