Coave Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing groundbreaking gene therapies. Powered by its proprietary ALIGATER™ (Advanced Vectors-Ligand Conjugates) platform, Coave develops a novel class of AAV and LNP gene delivery systems with superior targeting, specificity, efficacy across a wide range of applications. Importantly, the platform streamlines manufacturing by eliminating the need for prior AAV capsid modifications. By overcoming critical challenges in delivering genetic payloads to extra-hepatic tissues, Coave is building a pipeline of innovative gene therapies aimed at transforming the treatment of rare and common diseases, with a particular focus on muscle, neuromuscular, and eye diseases.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, the VP – Platform Operations will play a central role ensuring seamless execution of Coave’s ALIGATER platform activities. Working in close partnership with the Senior Director of Discovery & Preclinical Research who sets the scientific direction, this role is responsible for platform development from an operational point of view. He/she will be responsible for program oversight, cross-functional coordination, strategic planning, and external partner management across all internal & partnered platform programs.
Job responsibilities
Oversee operational coordination for all platform-related R&D programs from receptor identification and ligand design/sourcing through vector production, bioconjugation, analytical testing and in vitro/in vivo validation.
Partner with Senior Director of Discovery & Preclinical Research to translate scientific objectives into detailed operational workplans with clear milestones, budgets, resource forecasts. Develop integrated program timelines, identify interdependencies, and ensure alignment with corporate priorities.
Track project progress and escalate risks or critical path delays, ensuring appropriate mitigation plans are implemented.
Serve as project manager on cross-functional teams for all platform programs, defining meeting agenda, preparing slide decks, minutes of meetings and tracking follow-up on actions.
Maintain a high-level overview of resource allocation, budget adherence, and timelines across all programs.
Support program teams in maintaining accurate documentation, workplans, and decision logs.
Own the operational management of biotech/pharma collaborations evaluating our novel capsids: support the drafting and tracking of SOWs, timelines, deliverables and costs; ensuring timely communication and transparency.
Facilitate coordination between scientific, legal, IP and BD functions.
Support CSO and scientific teams in preparing strategic materials for SABs, board meetings, and external presentations.
Contribute to the identification and drafting of grant applications and non-dilutive funding opportunities.
Education
Master or PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology, virology, or a related field. Additional qualifications in project management is a plus.
Languages
Fluent English (written and oral); French is a plus.
Experiences/Professional requirements
8+ years in biotech/pharma, with 5+ years in program management or operations roles
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional project teams in gene therapy or biologics development.
Strong familiarity with AAV workflows, including vector production, analytical testing and vitro/vivo evaluation.
Competencies
Strong leadership and operational management capabilities.
Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex program portfolios.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.