Vera Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VERA), is a late clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera’s mission is to advance treatments that target the source of immunologic diseases in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera’s lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered at home as a subcutaneous once weekly injection that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgA nephropathy. Vera is also evaluating the role of atacicept in other immunologic disorders. Additionally, Vera is developing VT-109, a novel, next-generation dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor in preclinical development, and MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus, a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. For more information, please visit: www.veratx.com.
Our values are the cornerstone of our culture. Our values inspire us every day and guide everything we do—from how we hire great people, to advancing our mission together, to achieving our ultimate goal to improve medical treatment for patients suffering from immunological diseases.
About Us
Vera Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VERA), is a late-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious immunological diseases. Vera’s mission is to advance treatments that target the source of immunologic diseases in order to change the standard of care for patients. Vera’s lead product candidate is atacicept, a fully humanized fusion protein self-administered at home as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells and plasma cells to produce galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and associated autoantibodies, which together form immune complexes that are fundamental in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Vera is also considering evaluating the role of atacicept in other immunologic disorders. Additionally, Vera is developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK Virus, a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. For more information, please visit: www.veratx.com.
Our values are the cornerstone of our culture. Our values inspire us every day and guide everything we do, from how we hire great people, to advancing our mission together, to achieving our ultimate goal to improve medical treatment for patients suffering from immunological diseases.
Position Summary
The Senior Director of AI Strategy and Digital Innovation will report to the Vice President, Information Technology and lead the design, development, and execution of enterprise-wide artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital transformation initiatives. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping how the organization leverages advanced technologies to drive innovation and enhance operational excellence across the biotech value chain.
This position will lead the design and deployment of AI-driven platforms, implement modern analytics frameworks, and introduce intelligent automation and Agentic AI to enable transformative capabilities across commercialization.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and lead Vera’s AI and digital innovation strategy in alignment with corporate and functional OKRs.
- Partner with business leaders to identify high-impact opportunities for AI/ML adoption.
- Act as a thought leader and change agent, driving cultural adoption of AI and digital innovation across the enterprise.
- Lead a team driving the end-to-end AI product pipeline, from prototyping to production deployment.
Innovation & Technology Enablement
- Develop and implement digital innovation roadmaps with a focus on AI/ML, automation, and advanced analytics.
- Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, NLP, Agentic AI) for applicability within R&D, clinical, and commercial functions.
- Oversee the deployment of scalable AI platforms, ensuring security, compliance, and ethical AI practices.
- Apply advanced techniques (LLMs, RAG, Agentic Systems) to build impactful, real-world solutions.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to integrate AI solutions into business processes.
- Establish partnerships with technology vendors and biotech industry consortia. Translate business and user needs into AI driven products.
- Communicate complex technical concepts to senior executives and business stakeholders with clarity and impact.
- Prepare and deliver AI specific training to staff members on use of GenAI and Agentic AI tools within Vera.
Execution & Delivery
- Lead cross-functional teams in designing and delivering AI-enabled solutions with measurable business outcomes.
- Oversee governance, data management, and regulatory compliance in all AI initiatives.
- Track ROI and performance metrics to evaluate the success of digital innovation projects.
- Drive adoption of AI and advanced analytics capabilities, including GenAI and Agentic AI solutions, to enable predictive insights and intelligent automation
- Proven expertise in AI/ML, GenAI, and Agentic AI frameworks, with hands-on experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions.
- Ensure compliance with GxP, HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, and PHI data standards while embedding robust governance practices
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or related field; MBA or equivalent a plus.
- 12+ years of experience in IT, digital innovation, or AI strategy, preferably in life sciences, biotech, or pharma.
- Demonstrated track record of building and scaling AI/ML solutions in regulated industries.
- Experience leading large, cross-functional programs from ideation to implementation.
Technical & Leadership Skills
- Deep expertise in AI/ML, advanced analytics, and emerging digital technologies.
- Strong understanding of biotech/pharma processes (drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory, and commercialization).
- Proven ability to influence, inspire, and engage senior executives and diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational leadership skills.
Vera Therapeutics Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
Vera Therapeutics is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geography, qualifications, skills, and experience.
For this role, the anticipated base pay range is
$260,000 - $290,000 USD
Notice to Recruiters/Staffing Agencies
Recruiters and staffing agencies should not contact Vera Therapeutics through this page. All recruitment vendors (search firms, recruitment agencies, and staffing companies) are prohibited from contacting our hiring manager(s), executive team members, or employees.
We require that all recruiters and staffing agencies have a fully executed, formal written agreement on file.
Vera Therapeutics’ receipt or acceptance of an unsolicited resume submitted by a vendor organization to this website or employee does not constitute an actual or implied contract between Vera Therapeutics and such organization and will be considered unsolicited and Vera Therapeutics will not be responsible for related fees.
Fraud Alert
To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are a top priority for us. At Vera Therapeutics, recruiters only direct candidates to apply through our official career page at https://veratx.com/careers/.
Recruiters will always contact you using the domain of veratx.com. We will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers. If you are unsure if a message is from Vera Therapeutics, please email human resources.
