CNS Epigenetics Research and Development Lead

Recruiter contacts are not welcomedCNS epigenetic experience is mandatoryAbout the CompanyHigher Medicine (HMD) is developing a small-molecule LSD1 inhibitor for epigenetically driven brain disorders, beginning with Kabuki Syndrome (KS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with no approved treatments. The lead molecule will be a potent and selective LSD1 inhibitor with an extensive safety record in humans and demonstrated robust efficacy in reversing KS symptoms in animal models. Beyond KS, this program lays the groundwork for broader therapeutic applications in traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), autism, and age-related cognitive decline, all closely linked to epigenetic transcriptional dysregulation.The OpportunityThe Research and Development Lead will be responsible for leading pre-clinical research and clinical development, and shepherding therapeutic assets through regulatory hurdles, clinical study initiation, and other key value inflection points until successful out-licensing. The Lead will report to and work closely with the Founder and CEO of Higher Medicine.Key Job Duties/ResponsibilitiesSpearhead and manage non-equity / grant applications and execution (40%)a. Drive grant / non-dilutive funding strategy and applications to win awards from various sourcesb. Manage reporting requirements, budgeting, and other post-award activities and compliancePre-clinical and clinical research management and therapeutics development (40%)a. Build detailed research plans and budgetb. Provide subject matter expertise in translational and clinical sciencec. Design and execute NME discovery program and secure appropriate patents; establish external collaboration and manage budget; determine KPIs and supervised. Identify and conduct IND-enabling pre-clinical research, including but not limited to in vivo animal efficacy studies and other desired models, human tissue or biopsy sample analyses, and other pre-clinical data generation activitiese. Coordinate the activities of the clinical programsf. Interact with regulatory authorities to obtain opinions and inform pre-clinical and clinical research plansg. In collaboration with the clinical teams and consultants, design, prepare and initiate study protocols and other required documentation in compliance with project plans, federal regulations, GCP and good medical practiceh. Evaluate and select CROs and other related expertise as principal investigators and consultantsi. Collaborate with team members and consultants in clinical review and interpretation of study data in support for the preparation of reports for health authorities, including regulatory filing documentation and study close-out reportsj. Maintain excellent relationships with study investigatorsk. Write and/or review product-specific abstracts, publications, support the development of presentations for scientific meetings, and present information internally and externally Advise and assist CEO priorities as necessary (20%)Attributes:Curiosity; understanding and comfort with epistemic knowledge discovery process, and problem-solving fluency without over-indexing on priorsInherent drive to cultivate collaboration, teamwork, and professionalismA strategic thinker with a strong result orientation and a sense of urgency to deliver quality results on time and in a highly ethical and professional mannerNimble, creative, and entrepreneurial with the ability to execute independentlyExcellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and communicate complex issues and concepts enterprise-wide, from the executive team to external partnersExcellent team player and able to build and sustain organizational respect and trust at all levelsResilient and able to work well in a demanding, fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.Sound judgment and business acumen with personal versatility and flexibility as business and team evolve.Systemically organizing and completing detailed tasks, checking the accuracy and completeness of the information.Highly attentive to detail and focused on quality.Results-oriented and able to multitask