Position Summary

The Head of Discovery Research will lead Ocugen’s discovery engine—defining scientific strategy, advancing early-stage programs, and building a high-performing organization that delivers IND-ready candidates.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping the next generation of gene therapy programs, with a focus on translational science, target validation, and biomarker-driven development. You will partner closely with R&D, Translational Medicine, CMC, and External Innovation to move programs from concept to IND-enabling milestones.

Responsibilities 

Scientific & Portfolio Leadership

• Define and execute discovery strategy across gene therapy and emerging modalities


• Build and prioritize a discovery portfolio with clear milestones, decision criteria, and success metrics


• Ensure programs are grounded in human genetics, genotype–phenotype relationships, and translational relevance

Program & Translational Impact

• Lead target identification, validation, and early in vivo proof-of-concept in relevant disease models


• Integrate genetic, transcriptomic, and functional data to prioritize high-confidence targets


• Advance biomarker strategies (pharmacodynamic, predictive, and patient stratification) to support IND-enabling studies and early clinical design


• Establish and leverage disease-relevant cellular and in vivo models (including retinal and CNS systems)

Innovation & Platform Development

• Integrate emerging technologies such as CRISPR-based screening, single-cell genomics, iPSC-derived models, and advanced organoid systems


• Drive adoption of novel approaches to improve discovery efficiency and translational success

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional discovery team


• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability


• Attract and develop top-tier scientific talent

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Translational Medicine on biomarker and model development predictive of human biology


• Collaborate with CMC and Process Development to ensure early manufacturability and feasibility of gene therapy constructs


• Align discovery programs with clinical strategy, unmet need, and competitive landscape

External Innovation

• Establish and lead collaborations with academic institutions, biotech partners, and scientific consortia


• Evaluate licensing opportunities and external platforms (e.g., capsid engineering, delivery technologies) to expand capabilities


• Represent Ocugen in scientific forums and publications

• Maintain visibility in scientific communities through publications and presentations in leading ophthalmology, neuroscience, and gene therapy journals and conferences (e.g., ARVO, SFN, ASGCT).

Governance & Risk Management

• Chair or participate in Discovery Portfolio Review and Scientific Steering committees, providing scientific leadership on target selection, go/no-go criteria, and resource allocation across ophthalmology and neurology programs.


• Ensure sound risk assessment and mitigation early in research planning, including genetic and molecular target tractability assessments and immunogenicity considerations for gene therapy approaches.


• Drive decisions with rigor, transparency, and data-driven judgment.