Executive Director, Head of Modeling and Simulation, Biometrics

At Viridian Therapeutics, we are focused on developing best-in-class medicines for people living with autoimmune and rare diseases. Leveraging our teams expertise in antibody discovery and engineering, we have created a robust pipeline of differentiated investigational therapeutic candidates for well-validated targets. Our team consists of talented, entrepreneurial-minded professionals dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases. We strive for data-driven decisions, thoughtful risk-taking, and efficient use of time and funds to best position our ideas for success. We value thoughtful ideas, open communication, and transparency, and are committed to a culture that allows employees to contribute at a high level, grow their careers, and balance their personal and professional ambitions.

Reporting to the SVP of Biometric Sciences, the Executive Director will lead the Modeling and Simulation function within Biometric Sciences. The role is responsible for building and managing a large, structured clinical-trial data repository and developing analytical tools to enable data mining, scientific insights, and communication. The Executive Director will support Biostatistics in optimizing study designs, applying complex analytical methods, and developing simulation-based tools for sample-size estimation in advanced study designs. The position will also provide cross-functional analytical support to departments such as Clinical Pharmacology and Scientific Communications. This role may be based in our Waltham, MA headquarters (preferred) or remote. Employees local to our office are required to work in the office three (3) days a week.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Build, manage, and analyze a scalable, well-curated clinical-trial data repository by integrating raw and standardized datasets (e.g., SDTM, ADaM), harmonizing metadata, and incorporating relevant external/public data sources to support advanced statistical modeling, machine-learning analyses, and cross-study research.
• Support multiple departments across the organization by delivering advanced quantitative and analytical expertise, including but not limited to:
• Biostatistics: Provide analytical support for evaluating and selecting optimal study designs, leveraging simulation based methods to maximize probability of technical and operational success.
• Clinical Development: AI solutions to support efficient data review from on-going clinical programs.
• Clinical Pharmacology: Conduct and support analyses of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data, including model informed drug development (MIDD) approaches and exposure-response evaluations.
• Scientific Communications: Generate analytical inputs and data driven insights to support the publication strategy, including figures, tables, and quantitative summaries for abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Lead and oversee a high-performing Modeling and Simulation team by managing staff performance, driving professional development and succession planning, and providing clear coaching and feedback to ensure strong scientific delivery aligned with organizational objectives.
• Facilitate effective communication between Biometric Sciences and cross-functional partners-including Pharmacovigilance, Medical Affairs, and Clinical Pharmacology-ensuring that strategic decisions are translated into clear, actionable operational plans.
• In collaboration with key Biometric Sciences leaders, lead the development and continuous optimization of biostatistical SOPs and templates to enhance efficiency and quality while meeting or exceeding industry best practices.
• Drive organizational innovation in clinical study design and analytical methodologies.
• Establish and maintain strategic external collaborations with the biostatistics community, key opinion leaders, and external biostatistical consultants to strengthen scientific rigor and support innovation across the organization.
• Foster and sustain a culture of innovation in study design, analytical methodologies, and operational execution to advance scientific rigor and organizational efficiency.
• Define and drive statistical strategy, overseeing the development and preparation (or supervision of preparation) of key quantitative analyses and deliverables that support program-level and study-level decision-making.
• Promote a strong "ONE Team" culture across all functions by fostering collaboration and a unified focus on delivering the best outcomes for patients.

Requirements:

• Requires a PhD degree in statistics, biostatistics, data science or computer science with 15+ years of relevant work experience with preference in pharmaceutical industry OR a Masters degree with 18+ years of relevant experience.
• 10+ years of experience of direct management of internal and/or external team highly preferred.
• Proven excellence in building and managing large data structures.
• Expertise in scientific computing methods (python, R, SAS, etc.).
• Experience in clinical trial study design optimization through simulation methods to characterize study design performance.
• High proficiency in the analysis of large data sets utilizing machine learning, large language models, graphical models.
• Manage a broad set of activities with competing and aggressive timelines, prioritize activities, and work independently; Able to work in a quickly changing matrix environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills (including taking ownership to ensure timely resolution), a strong sense of urgency, keen attention to detail, and the ability to successfully execute in a matrix environment under time and resource pressures.
• Strong verbal and/or written communications skills.
• Strong commitment to ethical standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.).

The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience.

Viridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive pay and stock options for all employees.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% Paid Parental Leave.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Life, Travel and AD&D.
• 401(k) Company Match with immediate company vest.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan.
• Generous vacation plan and paid company holiday shutdowns.
• Various fertility, mental, financial, and proactive physical health programs.

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, and Local laws. Viridian 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. Viridian Therapeutics, Inc participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.