Executive Director, Process Sciences

This position is responsible for assuring the successful transition of research assets into CMC development for the company’s antibody portfolio. Oversees the transition of biological macromolecules from early discovery and research-scale prototyping through late-stage CMC optimization and clinical readiness. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on scientific leadership and demonstrated experience in External Innovation and CRO Management. Favors tailored, evidence-based solutions grounded in scientific hypothese. Uses logical deduction to identify process liabilities and has takes a proactive approach to designing and executing experiments to fill critical data gaps and identifies asset-specific solutions to CMC optimization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic CRO/CDMO Leadership & Oversight
• Serves as the key technical point of contact for external partners.
• Manage timelines, evaluates raw data objectively and provides evidence‑based feedback to CRO partners. Provides detail-focused, collaborative oversight of CROs scientific teams using a first-principles approach.
• Acts as the virtual lead to ensure external execution aligns with internal standards quality and performance standards.
The Research-to-CMC Bridge
• Leads the end-to-end continuum of antibody preparation: from building initial prototype processes in early research to supporting the final process optimization for CMC manufacturing purposes.
• Ensures that "Developability" is integrated into early candidate selection, translating research findings into robust, scalable, and manufacturable processes.
Hypothesis-Based Problem Solving
• Applies a "Research-mode" mindset to CMC challenges. Instead of reactive troubleshooting, proactively identifies molecule attributes to control in manufacturing process development and looks for potential roadblocks in activity, stability, purity, or yield by forming scientific hypotheses.
• When information is missing, proactively generates or sources data either internally or through CROs to provide evidence-based solutions.
Advanced Antibody Modality Experience
• Drives the technical strategy for complex antibody formats, with a specific focus on agonistic antibodies to develop CMC processes that maintain functional integrity/signaling properties in different antibody formats including bispecific antibodies.

Education Requirements
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Protein Chemistry, or related field.

Qualifications and Experience
10 years of industry experience in biologics CMC, with a significant track record of managing U.S.-based and global CRO/CDMO relationships.
• First-Principles Thinking: Strong analytical reasoning skills with the ability to derive solutions from available data and a proactive approach to addressing information gaps through thoughtful experimental design.
• Technical Breadth: Experience in antibody purification (Protein A, IEX, HIC), characterization (SEC‑MALS, CE‑SDS, Mass Spectrometry, Biacore), and formulation methods, supported by a strong understanding of scientific principles.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a lean, fast‑paced biotech environment where significant individual contributions and accountability are required.
• Advanced Modality Experience: Background in process development and CMC considerations for bi‑specific and multi‑valent formats supporting agonistic activity.
• Interpersonal & Organizational Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated proactive planning and effective work‑management abilities.
• Regulatory Experience: Experience authoring, reviewing, and finalizing CMC sections for IND/BLA submissions, with the ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate effectively with the FDA or other global regulatory authorities.

Nektar currently anticipates the base salary for the Executive Director, Process Sciences to range from $320,000 to $360,000 for candidates in the Bay Area and will depend, in part, on successful candidate's location and qualifications for the role, including education and experience. This position will also be eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan (depending, in part, on company and individual performance and at the Company's discretion on an individual basis.) The compensation described above is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described based on the market survey data.
Qualifying employees are eligible to participate in benefit programs such as:
Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
Disability Insurance
Holiday Pay
Paid Time Off (PTO)
401(k) Match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Wellness Programs
Parental Leave Benefits (in accordance with the terms of applicable plans)
For general information on company benefits, please go to https://www.nektar.com/careers.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.