Vice President, Pharmaceutical & Process Development

About Stoke:

Stoke Therapeutics (Nasdaq: STOK), is a biotechnology company dedicated to restoring protein expression by harnessing the body’s potential with RNA medicine. Using Stoke’s proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) approach, Stoke is developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to selectively restore naturally-occurring protein levels. Stoke’s first medicine in development, zorevunersen, has demonstrated the potential for disease modification in patients with Dravet syndrome and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study. Stoke’s initial focus are diseases of the central nervous system and the eye that are caused by a loss of ~50% of normal protein levels (haploinsufficiency). Proof of concept has been demonstrated in other organs, tissues, and systems, supporting broad potential for Stoke’s proprietary approach. Stoke is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts. For more information, visit https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/

Position Purpose:

This role will define and advance the scientific and technical strategy for Stoke’s Pharmaceutical & Process Development organization, enabling the discovery, preclinical evaluation, and technical development of transformative medicines that address the underlying causes of severe disease. This leader will guide multidisciplinary teams, external collaborators, strategic partners, and vendors to strengthen differentiated platform capabilities and translate scientific innovation into high-impact therapeutic opportunities. Working closely with leaders across preclinical research, data sciences, technical operations and clinical development, this individual will serve as a key driver of innovation, expanding the impact of Stoke’s gene regulation strategies and positioning the platform for sustained scientific and pipeline productivity. The successful candidate will bring deep, cross-disciplinary expertise across chemistry, biology, process and analytical sciences, formulation and delivery sciences, combined with the executive presence and organizational leadership required to build, inspire, and scale a high-performing R&D organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute an enterprise-level strategic roadmap for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, spanning nucleotide medicinal chemistry, process and analytical analytical sciences, delivery strategy, and formulation innovation
• Advance platform innovation within an R&D environment to broaden the reach, differentiation, and therapeutic impact of oligonucleotides in regulating disease-relevant gene expression
• Identify, assess, and integrate novel technologies that extend the impact of TANGO and other nucleic acid approaches by improving target presentation and engagement across disease-relevant tissues and cell types
• Bring senior technical leadership and fluency across ASO, siRNA and PMO technologies, including chemistry, process and analytical sciences, delivery strategy, and formulation approaches
• Build, lead, and scale high-performing scientific teams responsible for nucleic acid chemistries, bioconjugates, delivery systems, process development, analytical characterization, biological validation, and technical implementation
• Apply scientific insight, strategic judgment, and disciplined governance to evaluate therapeutic concepts and platform technologies based on potential impact, differentiation, and product or technology risk
• Partner with R&D and program leadership to shape early-stage therapeutic concepts, inform strategic direction and resourcing decisions, and support selection and advancement of pipeline candidates
• Establish and steward external partnerships and collaborations that expand Stoke’s technologic capabilities in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities
• Represent platform capabilities and technologies with credibility and influence among internal stakeholders, external scientific leaders, partners, and collaborators

Required Skills & Experience: 

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with 12+ years of progressive pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry leadership experience spanning formulation, novel delivery technologies, medicinal chemistry, process and analytical development, platform strategy, and organizational leadership
• Strong understanding of and experience with developability assessment criteria and global CMC/regulatory guidance and expectations for development and commercialization of complex modalities including oligo (ASO, siRNA) and nucleic acid therapeutics
• Distinguished record of scientific innovation, reflected through publications, patents, INDs/CTAs/NDAs/BLAs, and advancement of therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action and/or delivery into preclinical and clinical development
• Demonstrated ability to leverage internal capabilities, external innovation, and strategic collaborations to operationalize strategic plans and advance platform technologies from discovery through clinical development
• Proven track record building and leading high-performing integrated teams, developing talent, and balancing enterprise priorities across efficiency, risk, and innovation
• Proven track record of innovation, strategic thinking, strong problem-solving skills, cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision making, and organizational skills
• Ability to build and sustain an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a proven ability to distill technically complex topics to all audiences, present recommendations, and drive alignment with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Ability to navigate and influence within a complex matrix organization

Location(s):

Stoke is located in Bedford, MA, and will be moving to a new location in Waltham, MA by the end of 2026.  

Travel:

This position will require approximately 10% travel.

Compensation & Benefits:

At Stoke Therapeutics, we are committed to offering a comprehensive, competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards program.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $325,000 - $375,000.  The final offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope, experience and qualifications, education, market benchmarks, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, Stoke offers an annual bonus and equity participation.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance; life, long- and short-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; a 401K plan with company match, unlimited vacation time, tuition assistance and participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

Culture & Values:

At Stoke, we believe that innovation, the ability to successfully advance our ground-breaking science and having fun as a team are enhanced by being together in person, at least periodically. We allow for flexibility in work arrangements that balance individual’s needs and preferences with the needs of our business and our desire to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Our values guide our work to deliver meaningful medicines for people who need them. We are committed to being true to ourselves, to our colleagues, and to the people with severe diseases who are counting on us. We embrace diversity within a unique culture that is defined by our values. Our employee-led Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Committee underscores the importance of DIB to who we are and what we do. 

Interested candidates: Please visit Stoke’s website to learn more and apply directly to the position listed on our Career Center:

https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/careers/

For more information, visit https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability or protected veteran status.

Stoke participates in E-Verify.