Director/Senior Director, Immunology & Inflammation (I&I)

Position Summary

Join a fastmoving, innovation driven team shaping the future of immunology and inflammation therapeutics. We’re looking for an inspiring scientific leader with deep expertise in I&I biology — someone who thrives on discovery and is excited to translate cutting edge science into transformative medicines. In this role, you’ll guide strategy, lead a talented team of scientists, and design impactful in vitro and in vivo studies that move programs from concept to clinic. You’ll be at the center of target identification, preclinical model development, and data driven decision making that accelerates new therapies toward patients. This is a high visibility, high impact position with significant influence across the organization. You’ll collaborate closely with translational sciences, biochemistry & enzymology, toxicology, project teams, and clinical partners — all aligned around a shared mission to deliver breakthrough treatments. We’re seeking a leader who brings scientific rigor, creativity, and a passion for mentoring. If you’re energized by innovation and ready to shape the next wave of I&I drug discovery, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

· Lead scientific and strategic direction for the I&I research group and partner teams.

· Design, execute, and prioritize experiments that drive programs forward.

· Build and oversee in vitro and in vivo preclinical models to define dose, target engagement, PK, and potency.

· Deliver high quality data that supports clinical candidate selection.

· Mentor and develop scientists at all levels; ensure teams are resourced for success.

· Foster a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous learning.

· Keep Aclaris at the forefront of I&I science and competitive strategy.

· Collaborate across the organization to advance molecules into IND enabling studies.

· Communicate strategy, progress, and insights with clarity and impact.

· Prepare compelling presentations, reports, and external communications.

What You Bring

· Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. (or equivalent) with 12+ years of research experience, including 5+ years in industry drug discovery.

· Broad expertise in I&I biology and the mechanistic drivers of inflammation.

· Recognized scientific contributions and a track record of impactful discoveries.

· Hands on experience designing preclinical studies.

· Deep proficiency with human and mouse primary immune cell assays.

· Strong understanding of preclinical in vitro and in vivo models and their relevance to human disease.

· Ability to design and implement innovative approaches to I&I drug discovery.

· Proven leadership in setting scientific and operational strategy.

· A strategic, creative, self-motivated mindset.

· Demonstrated success mentoring and developing scientific talent.

· Strong prioritization skills and focus on high impact work.

· Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives.

· A collaborative, team-oriented approach and a drive to execute with excellence.

Work Environment

· Laboratory and casual office setting.

Physical Requirements

· Occasional standing, walking, handling materials, reaching, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, or hearing.

· Ability to lift/move up to 10 pounds occasionally.

· Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, plus ability to adjust focus.