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Senior Director, GI & Inflammatory Disease Research

Lexington, MA

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):

  • Lead disease biology strategy for discovery and preclinical-stage programs, with emphasis on protease, immune-mediated, and GI diseases.
  • Develop mechanistic understanding of disease pathways and translate biological insights into therapeutic opportunities.
  • Establish and oversee translational disease biology plans supporting progression of assets from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept.
  • Evaluate emerging biology, competitive intelligence, and therapeutic opportunities within protease and GI disease and inflammatory pathways.
  • Partner with DMPK, toxicology, bioanalytics, and clinical pharmacology teams to establish robust development strategies.
  • Support first-in-human, dose-escalation, and proof-of-concept studies through integration of nonclinical and emerging clinical data.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams and influence portfolio strategy. Collaborate with Clinical Development, CMC, Regulatory, and Program Leadership to ensure seamless translation from research to clinical development.
  • Present program recommendations and scientific strategy to executive leadership, governance committees, partners, and external stakeholders.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing disease biology team.
  • Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

Standout Skills for Impact:

  • Strong expertise in protease biology, immunology, and GI disease biology.
  • Experience advancing biologic therapeutics from discovery through clinical development.
  • Ability to translate complex scientific findings into development and translational strategies.
  • Proven leadership of cross-functional teams in a matrixed drug development environment.
  • Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills to support portfolio and program advancement.

Qualifications and Experience: 

  • PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Gastroenterologyor a related discipline.
  • 15+ years of biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated success advancing therapeutic programs from discovery through IND and into clinical development.
  • Extensive experience supporting development of biologic therapeutics.
  • Experience in inflammatory, autoimmune, or GI disease biology is highly preferred.
  • Proven track record of scientific publications, external presentations, patents, and/or successful development milestones.
  • Experience working in highly matrixed environments and leading cross-functional teams.
 

Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.

Pay Range

$293,940 - $310,500 USD

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.

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