Executive Director, Clinical Development Lead
About this role
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.
We are seeking a Clinical Development Lead (CDL) reporting to the Chief Medical Officer to oversee and drive strategic planning, execution, and oversight of clinical development programs across one or more assets. This role provides medical and scientific leadership to ensure the successful design, implementation, and interpretation of clinical studies, working cross-functionally to advance compounds from early development through regulatory approval.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on understanding of the operational complexities of drug development and is eager to bring therapies to patients with a sense of urgency.
This role is based in our Lexington, MA office and requires employees to be onsite five days per week.
Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
- Serve as the clinical lead on cross-functional development program teams to develop and execute the overall clinical development strategy for assigned programs, in collaboration with key stakeholders and leadership, while providing scientific and medical input into target product profiles, development plans, and lifecycle strategies.
- Lead the development of clinical trial design and strategies based on the scientific rationale and development and program objectives, including development of study protocols, investigator brochures, and clinical study reports.
- Partner closely with Clinical Operations to execute on clinical trials, including study execution, recruitment and enrollment, development of study specific management plans and materials, and data management activities.
- Collaborate with Program Management, Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Data Management, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs to ensure high-quality study and program execution.
- Ensure internal study teams, investigators and site personnel, and external vendors are trained on clinical trial design and rationale, and provide support for data management activities, including development of case report forms, review of protocol deviations, and resolution issues.
- Support medical monitors in evaluating safety data, including review of safety reports, contribution to risk assessment and mitigation plans, and interfacing with investigators as applicable.
- Lead preparation for and serve as medical representative for Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs), Safety Review Committees (SRC), or similar safety data review boards.
- Contribute to development of regulatory submissions (e.g., IND/CTAs), participate in health authority agency interactions (e.g., FDA/EMA), and engage with thought leaders and investigators.
- Provide clinical insights to support business development, licensing, and due diligence activities.
- Drive a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
- Ensure activities are executed in accordance with regulatory requirements, ICH/GCP guidance, and company standards.
Standout Skills for Impact:
- Deep clinical experience in clinical trial design and ability to clearly articulate scientific concepts.
- Proven cross-functional leadership driving alignment and results.
- Strong ability to build credibility and influence external stakeholders, including scientific and thought leaders.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills across diverse audiences.
- Translates strategy into effective, actionable plans and delivers with impact.
Qualifications and Experience:
- MD, PhD, or PharmD in a relevant life sciences discipline
- Minimum 8–12+ years of experience in clinical research and drug development within biotech/pharma
- Demonstrated experience leading clinical programs and interacting with regulatory authorities, including successful submissions of IND/CTAs
- Strong understanding of clinical trial design, including endpoint development, patient selection criteria, statistical analyses, sponsor oversight responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience across multiple phases of development
- Strategic thinking and decision-making ability.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks.
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.
Company at a glance
Kiniksa is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating diseases by discovering, acquiring, developing, and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. Kiniksa’s portfolio of assets is based on strong biologic rationale or validated mechanisms and offers the potential for differentiation.
At Kiniksa, patients are at the heart of everything we do. Our Every Second Counts! mindset reflects our commitment to making a difference for people who are navigating the uncertainty and challenges of life-altering diseases. This is why our team is relentless in pursuing treatments that bring us closer to a better future for patients, every second of every day.
We rely on an exceptional team to drive our mission of building a global, generational company. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Kiniksa offers competitive benefits and dynamic career opportunities across our organization. We foster a culture of passion, innovation, and rapid execution to help fulfill our mission.
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