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.
Head of Biology
Basel, CH, Tech Park HB-F
Full-time
Permanent employee
About us
Responsibilities
Ridgeline is expanding its capabilities in Basel to support a new company creation in metabolics, with a focus on MASH/NASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). To this purpose, we are seeking a VP, Head of Biology with proven expertise in metabolic research to drive the biology strategy, advance innovative therapeutics, and lead a high-performing team of scientists.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive comprehensive preclinical and translational biology activities across the company's MASH/NASH programs and contribute to the overall company discovery strategies
- Lead the design, execution, and analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments for target validation, candidate optimization, and mechanism-of-action studies.
- Oversee development of biomarker assays, disease models, and functional screening relevant to FGF21 signaling and metabolic liver disease.
- Supervise and mentor the biology and pharmacology team, fostering collaboration and ensuring rigorous data generation to support pipeline progression.
- Partner closely with peptide/antibody engineering, chemistry, DMPK, pharmacology, preclinical development, CROs, and academic collaborators to accelerate discovery efforts.
- Monitor scientific literature, competitive landscape, and emerging trends in therapeutics relevant to MASH to inform program strategy.
- Contribute to program updates for industry partners, Ridgeline leadership, support IP generation, and participate in cross-functional decision-making.
Qualifications
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Metabolism, Hepatology, or related field, with 10+ years of post-doctoral experience with at least 5 in industrial drug discovery/development, ideally in metabolics and biologics.
- Deep expertise in MASH/NASH pathophysiology, liver fibrosis mechanisms, and FGF21 biology (e.g., signaling pathways, analogs, or receptor modulation).
- Proven track record developing complex assays, translational models, and biomarkers for metabolic liver disease programs.
- Knowledge of emerging evidence of incretin therapies in liver disease.
- Leadership experience managing biology teams in biotech/pharma, with a focus on execution in fast-paced environments.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, balancing scientific excellence with program timelines and business priorities.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate in early-stage biotech environments.
- Excellent communication abilities for internal reviews, external partnerships, and stakeholder influence.
- Based in or willing to relocate to the Basel area, with hybrid work flexibility.
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.
Please note that these benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion and do not constitute a contractual entitlement.