Head of Regeneron Cell Medicines

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Head of Regeneron Cell Medicines Location: Cambridge, MA (primary site) The Head of Regeneron Cell Medicines (RCM) sets the vision, strategy, and execution for Regeneron's cell medicines portfolio and technology platform. Scope includes ex vivo and in vivo CAR T programs and enabling technologies for delivery, including chemo-free conditioning. This leader oversees cross-functional initiatives from discovery through early clinical development, builds and mentors high-performing teams, and partners across the enterprise and with external collaborators to deliver transformative cell-based therapies. Based in Cambridge, MA, this role serves as the site's senior scientific executive and advances the RCM portfolio in alignment with Regeneron's broader scientific vision. In This Role, You Will: Strategy and Portfolio Leadership Define and drive the long-term scientific vision and portfolio strategy for ex vivo and in vivo cell medicines, aligned to enterprise priorities. Prioritize programs and platform investments using data-driven governance, scenario planning, and risk/benefit frameworks. Champion innovation in cell engineering, in vivo delivery (e.g., LNPs, viral vectors), and manufacturing to create differentiated therapies. Establish and evolve the CAR T strategy, including target selection, tissue/cell targeting, potency enhancement, and combinations with antibody-based approaches. Scientific Program Oversight Lead matrixed teams to deliver milestones from target validation to IND, Phase I manufacturing, and early clinical readouts. Guide technical problem solving across modalities, including CAR T design, delivery optimization, biodistribution/PK, on/off-target assessment, and safety risk mitigation. Integrate enabling platforms where justified (e.g., CAR Ts, antibody-based approaches such as CPIs and bispecifics, encoded potency enhancements, ARMoR'ing strategies). Drive benign conditioning initiatives that enable chemo-free delivery of cell-based medicines (including T cells and hematopoietic stem cells). People Leadership and Organizational Development Build, mentor, and retain a diverse, high-performing organization of senior scientific leaders and functional experts. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion across sites and functions. Implement succession planning, talent development, and performance management. Cross-Functional and Cross-Site Collaboration Partner closely with Research, Preclinical Development, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, CMC, Manufacturing, BD, and Finance. Serve as the senior scientific leader for the Cambridge site; maintain strong operating rhythms with Seattle and Tarrytown leadership. Coordinate with vector/delivery, immunology, and translational biomarker teams to accelerate RCM programs to clinical evaluation. External Innovation and Partnerships Identify and evaluate external opportunities (academia, biotech, consortia, platforms) to accelerate the pipeline and capabilities. Negotiate and govern collaborations to clear, value-creating outcomes. Operational Excellence and Compliance Own budgets, headcount planning, and resource allocation across programs and platform functions. Ensure adherence to biosafety, ethical guidelines, and regulatory standards (e.g., IND enabling, GxP interfaces), including nonclinical programs specific to ex vivo and in vivo cell therapy (biodistribution, preclinical safety). Drive reproducibility, data integrity, and robust decision records. Executive Communication and Governance Provide clear, concise updates to executive leadership and governance bodies on strategy, progress, risks, and mitigation plans. Represent Regeneron Cell Medicines at internal and external forums, scientific conferences, and with partners. What You Need to Succeed: Required Qualifications Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) in cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, or related discipline. 20+ years of biopharmaceutical R&D experience with a substantial focus on cell-based therapies; track record advancing programs from discovery to IND and early clinical. Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary, multisite teams and senior people leaders in a fast-paced environment. Deep expertise across key domains: Cell engineering (e.g., CAR design, viral vectors), potency/identity assays, process and analytical development, and translational biology. In vivo gene delivery for in vivo CAR T, including viral and non-viral modalities (e.g., LVV, LNPs), tissue/cell targeting strategies, biodistribution/PK, on/off-target risk assessment, and immunogenicity management. CMC considerations for in vivo modalities (vector design, release testing, stability) versus ex vivo products. Familiarity with regulatory pathways for cell and gene therapies (e.g., FDA/EMA guidance, IND preparation, RMAT considerations), including in vivo gene therapy nonclinical packages (biodistribution, toxicology, shedding). Strong portfolio management, reso