Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.
Ridgeline is currently expanding its capabilities in Basel to a new company creation in biologics with focus on immuno-dermatology. To this purpose, we are seeking an Immunologist with proven track records in immunology research and biologics therapeutics. In this role, you will contribute to the development of a new, fully funded biotech company, the design of the scientific strategy in the chronic inflammation / autoimmune disease area and advancement of innovative biotherapeutics. You will be responsible for leading research programs and managing a lab of highly skilled scientists.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and drive the comprehensive preclinical biology activities across the companies programs
- Lead the design, implementation, and analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate targets, and support candidate selection and optimization
- Oversee development and application of biomarker assays, disease models, and functional screening assays relevant to interleukin receptor biology in skin disease contexts
- Collaborate closely with antibody engineering, pharmacology, preclinical development, and external partners including CROs and academic collaborators to accelerate pipeline progress
- Monitor scientific advancements and competitive landscape to integrate learnings in to the company’s programs
- Collaborate closely with the CEO and be part of the company leadership team
- Present scientific and program updates regularly to Board of Directors to guide decision-making
- Ensure compliance with company policies and contribute to intellectual property generation and patent filings
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Dermatology, or related biomedical sciences with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience and a proven track record in drug discovery, ideally in biologics
- Deep scientific understanding of inflammatory and immune-mediated dermatologic pathways, specifically the diseases relevant interleukins in Atopic Dermatitis and adjacent diseases
- Demonstrated expertise in developing and applying complex biological assays, cellular and animal disease models, and translational biomarker strategies for dermatological therapeutic programs
- Leadership experience managing scientific teams, fostering collaborative culture, and delivering results, ideally in fast-paced biotech environments
- Strong strategic mindset balancing high scientific rigor with business priorities and cross-functional coordination
- Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing at all levels, including external scientific forums
- Experience working in hybrid models, ideally willingness to be based in the Basel area with flexible remote work options
WHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFER
- People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
- Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
- Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
- Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
- Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
- Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
- Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
- Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
- Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.
- Coffee: Meet up with your colleagues and grab free coffee.
To apply, please submit your completed application form along with your CV, cover letter, and reference letters.