Director of Oncology Drug Discovery

About Fortitude Biomedicines:

Fortitude Biomedicines is a cutting-edge biotechnology company dedicated to advancing immunotherapy and biologics research. One of our missions is to accelerate the development of novel cancer treatments by leveraging Fortitude Bio’s Glue-DAC platform, an ADC drug discovery engine using a proprietary protein degrader payload. In our fast-paced environment, we value entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and a commitment to transforming patient care.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced Director of Oncology Drug Discovery to lead our oncology drug discovery programs. This critical role will drive the strategic and scientific direction of our pipeline, from target identification through preclinical development. The ideal candidate is a seasoned drug hunter with deep expertise in cancer biology, pharmacology, and coordinating IND- enabling studies. As part of a focused startup team, you will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting, breaking new grounds and pushing boundaries to deliver innovative medicines.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic and day-to-day oversight of our oncology drug discovery programs, including target validation, hit-to-lead optimization, pharmacology, and preclinical candidate selection.
  • Direct discovery and IND-enabling studies at CROs, ensuring scientific rigor and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Design and execute strategies for elucidating mechanisms of action of our preclinical candidates.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with chemistry, toxicology, and clinical teams.
  • Foster a collaborative team environment, contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and mentor junior team members.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends in oncology research and clinical development, especially for ADCs in leading cancer indications.
  • In collaboration with Project Management, prepare and oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources in our fast-paced setting with evolving priorities.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
  • Over 10 years of industry experience in oncology drug discovery, with a proven track record of leading programs from discovery to IND submission.
  • Expertise in tumor biology, cancer signaling pathways, and pharmacological assays.
  • Demonstrated success in designing and executing IND-enabling studies, including toxicology and DMPK.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including executives, investors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Strong entrepreneurial mindset, with experience in early-stage startups or similar fast-paced environments; comfortable with decision-making, tight timelines, and multitasking.
  • Experience in Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) discovery and development.
  • Familiarity with emerging technologies such as CRISPR, single-cell sequencing, or AI-driven drug design.
  • Prior leadership in securing financing and partnerships for oncology programs.
  • Physical requirements are typical of those for an office position including ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

Our Culture:

We value quality, accountability and empowerment. We take pride in producing the highest quality results. Quality is never compromised. We honor our commitments every day and strive to exceed our expectations. How we accomplish our goals is as important as the results themselves. We work collaboratively to empower each other, knowing that strong teams create exceptional results.

What We Offer:

  • The opportunity to shape the future of oncology therapeutics in a groundbreaking startup biotech.
  • Competitive salary, equity package, and benefits tailored to early-stage innovation.
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture where your ideas have impact.

Location:

Waltham, MA (hybrid)

 

Qualifying candidates: If you are a passionate leader ready to tackle cancer’s toughest challenges in a nimble startup, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume to careers@fortitudebio.com.

Thank you for your interest in Fortitude Biomedicines!

 

Fortitude Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Fortitude Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms for listed employment opportunities. All unsolicited resumes submitted through our website shall be deemed property of Fortitude. Fortitude explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidates without any financial obligation to the recruiter or search firm.

Yan Wan

Vice President, China Site Head

Ms. Wan brings extensive expertise in corporate operations, with a versatile background spanning human resources, procurement, legal, IT, finance, government affairs, and R&D alliance management. Prior to joining Fortitude Biomedicines, she served as General Manager, China at Terns Pharmaceuticals, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s launch, operational build-out, and successful NASDAQ IPO.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Wan provided HR leadership supporting both the commercial franchise and global drug development units at Novartis China. She began her operations career in Germany at an overseas R&D center. Ms. Wan holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Literature and Economics from Wuhan University of Technology, as well as a postgraduate degree from the University of Hong Kong Business School.

Kathy Derakhchan, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Preclinical Development

Dr. Derakhchan leads preclinical development efforts at Fortitude Biomedicines. She has proven track record of leading multiple successful IND/NDA filings with corresponding track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. Dr. Derakhchan has extensive experience in engaging with regulatory authorities and in developing, designing, and overseeing non-GLP, GLP, and IND-enabling pharmacology, PK/PD efficacy, safety pharmacology, investigative toxicology and general toxicology evaluations of therapeutics from early-stage discovery to FIH and post approval. Prior to joining Fortitude, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Amgen, Shire and Takeda. Dr. Derakhchan received her PhD in Pharmacology from Université de Montréal.​

​

Rahul Patel, M.D., FACR

Senior Vice President, Clinical Development

Dr. Patel leads Fortitude Biomedicine’s Clinical Development efforts of the company’s therapeutic programs. He is a board-certified rheumatologist with more than 15 years of experience in clinical drug development within the biopharmaceutical industry. His work has contributed to the successful regulatory submission and approval of two immunotherapies. Prior to joining Fortitude, Dr. Patel founded AyurBioConsulting, where he provided strategic and operational support on programs focused on autoimmune disease indications. Previously, he served as Executive Medical Director at ImmPACT-Bio and KyvernaTherapeutics. Over the course of his career, he held positions of increasing responsibility at BioCryst, PRA Health Sciences, Sanofi and PAREXEL. Dr. Patel earned his Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his fellowship in Rheumatology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Keith Dewedoff

Acting CFO

Keith brings more than 20 years of experience in the life sciences industry to Fortitude Biomedicines, ranging from venture-backed biotech startups to commercial publicly traded companies. Prior to joining Fortitude, he served as CFO at Carbon Biosciences, Code Biotherapeutics, and Ceptur Therapeutics; additionally, he was an advisor to various venture funds. Keith is also CFO & advisor to Spy Biotech,  co-founder and exec chairman of Kaizen Biosciences and advisor at Danforth Health. Keith holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Management from Northeastern University.

Stephen Monks, Ph.D.

Acting Chief Development Officer

Dr. Stephen Monks leads Fortitude Biomedicine’s Development efforts. He is a seasoned biopharmaceutical development executive with more than 25 years of experience guiding CMC strategy, technical development, and regulatory execution from early research through late-stage clinical development. Before consulting, Dr. Monks served as Chief Technology Officer at Pyxis Oncology, where he led the technical build-out of the company’s ADC and immuno-oncology antibody platforms and also oversaw the company’s CMC strategy, CDMO selection and management, and regulatory planning efforts to support pipeline advancement. Dr. Monks received his PhD in Biochemistry from University of Melbourne, Australia.

Wendi Ni

Director, Head of Corporate Development

Wendi leads the Operations and Corporate Development efforts of Fortitude Biomedicines. She has more than ten years of research experience and is passionate about building biotech startups. Prior to joining Fortitude, she was Senior Scientist at Novartis, driving drug discovery efforts across various modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecifics, and radioligand therapy. Wendi received her Master of Science in Pharmacology and Drug Development from Tufts University School of Medicine.

Matthew Huggins, Ph.D.

Principal Scientist, Immunology

Dr. Huggins is an immunologist with expertise in preclinical drug development across autoimmune diseases and oncology. At Fortitude, he serves as project lead for the company’s lead program, driving the research strategy for advancing this development candidate into the clinic. Prior to joining Fortitude, Matthew led multiple early-stage discovery programs from proof of concept through IND-enabling studies. Dr. Huggins received his Ph.D. in Immunology from the Mayo Clinic in 2017.

Haibo Liu, Ph.D.

Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Dr. Liu leads the GLUE-DACTM platform and ADC Discovery efforts at Fortitude Biomedicines. He is an accomplished medical chemist bringing over 15 years of drug discovery experience. Prior to joining Fortitude, he was the Director of Chemistry at Matchpoint Therapeutics. He held positions of increasing responsibility at Avila, Celgene, BMS, and Matchpoint. Dr. Liu received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University.

Jan Theunissen, Ph.D.

Vice President, Discovery

Dr. Jan Theunissen leads Discovery efforts at Fortitude Biomedicines and brings over 15 years of industry experience in antibody drug development across diverse target classes and disease indications. He is an accomplished biotechnology leader with deep expertise in the preclinical discovery and development of novel antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. Prior to joining Fortitude, he served as Director of Biology at Mersana Therapeutics and Senior Director of Research at Iconic Therapeutics. Earlier in his career, Dr. Theunissen held positions of increasing responsibility at Amgen, Igenica Biotherapeutics, and Gilead Sciences. Dr. Theunissen received his PhD in Molecular Biology from Cornell University.

Linkedin-in

Jesse Chen, Ph.D.

President and CEO

Jesse is the Founder, President and CEO of Fortitude Biomedicines. A serial entrepreneur, he previously co-founded both TRIANA Biomedicines and Avilar Therapeutics. Before launching Fortitude, he served as Chief Technology Officer at TRIANA Biomedicines. Jesse brings nearly two decades of discovery research and management experience, spanning early discovery through preclinical development. He previously served as an entrepreneur-in-residence for RA Capital Management. Prior to joining RA Capital, he was Senior Director of Discovery at Kymera Therapeutics, responsible for building the company’s industry-leading targeted protein degradation platform and pipeline. Jesse held roles of increasing responsibility at Moderna Therapeutics and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, leading efforts to developing novel platforms and discovery programs.