Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders. At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most.
Kiniksa is seeking an experienced and highly strategic Senior Director, GI & Inflammatory Disease Research reporting to GVP, Research & Non-Clinical Development to lead pre-clinical research and development efforts. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership in the validation, characterization and advancement of therapeutic targets and biologic drug candidates from early discovery through IND-enabling studies and into early clinical development.
This role will be particularly valuable for candidates with deep expertise in protease biology, inflammation, immunology, and GI diseases. The individual will serve as a key scientific leader responsible for translating disease mechanisms into therapeutic hypotheses, developing translational strategies, and guiding cross-functional teams to advance novel molecules from early leads through first-in-human clinical studies.
The Senior Director will partner closely with Discovery, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, CMC, Program Leadership, and Regulatory teams to drive data-driven decision-making across the portfolio. This position requires a leader who can distill complex biology into actionable development strategies and thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment consistent with Kiniksa's culture.
This role is based in our Lexington, MA office. Our office-based employees follow an onsite schedule of 5 days in the office (Mon-Fri)
Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
Standout Skills for Impact:
Qualifications and Experience:
Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.
Pay Range
$293,940 - $310,500USD
Kiniksa is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or any other legally protected category. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Kiniksa does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will be considered property of Kiniksa, and no fees will be paid.