Head of Immunology

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.RESPONSIBILITIESDefine and drive the comprehensive preclinical biology activities across the companies programsLead the design, implementation, and analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate targets, and support candidate selection and optimizationOversee development and application of biomarker assays, disease models, and functional screening assays relevant to interleukin receptor biology in skin disease contextsCollaborate closely with antibody engineering, pharmacology, preclinical development, and external partners including CROs and academic collaborators to accelerate pipeline progressMonitor scientific advancements and competitive landscape to integrate learnings in to the company’s programsCollaborate closely with the CEO and be part of the company leadership teamPresent scientific and program updates regularly to Board of Directors to guide decision-makingEnsure compliance with company policies and contribute to intellectual property generation and patent filingsQUALIFICATIONSPhD 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 biologicsDeep scientific understanding of inflammatory and immune-mediated dermatologic pathways, specifically the diseases relevant interleukins in Atopic Dermatitis and adjacent diseasesDemonstrated expertise in developing and applying complex biological assays, cellular and animal disease models, and translational biomarker strategies for dermatological therapeutic programsLeadership experience managing scientific teams, fostering collaborative culture, and delivering results, ideally in fast-paced biotech environmentsStrong strategic mindset balancing high scientific rigor with business priorities and cross-functional coordinationExcellent communication skills, capable of influencing at all levels, including external scientific forumsExperience working in hybrid models, ideally willingness to be based in the Basel area with flexible remote work optionsWHAT WE CURRENTLY OFFERPeople: 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.