--- title: 'Vice President, Program Team Leader at Crescent Biopharma' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-program-team-leader-crescent-biopharma-waltham-326643dkvpjm' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-10' --- # Vice President, Program Team Leader at Crescent Biopharma - **Company:** Crescent Biopharma - **Location:** Waltham, MA - **Compensation:** $323k–$357k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-06-22 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/crescent-biopharma/6c98e2ba-ba15-4a77-9e23-a77951c9c51b ## Job description Crescent Biopharma’s vision is to build a world leading oncology company bringing the next wave of therapies for cancer patients. The Company’s clinical-stage pipeline includes its lead program, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, as well as novel antibody-drug conjugates. By leveraging multiple modalities and established targets, Crescent aims to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies as single agents and as part of combination regimens to treat a range of solid tumors. For more information, visit www.crescentbiopharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X. We are seeking a Program Team Leader (PTL) is a passionate drug developer with a global perspective and business orientation, who brings adaptable leadership, strategic product development acumen, and relentless pursuit of long-term success for patients and Crescent’s medicines. This is a highly visible leadership role. Working with an experienced Program Manager and a cross-functional team, the PTL shapes the Program strategy, goals, priorities, and plans, bringing both a 'future-orientation' toward the ultimate goal of broad, global commercial access for patients in need, and a "pragmatic-orientation" to chart the path, mitigate risks, cultivate options, and lead through complex drug development decisions. This role is based in Waltham, MA and you must have experience in the oncology space. ## Responsibilities - Lead a high-performing cross-functional Program Team, focusing on both the "what", such as strategy, priorities, output, and resources, and also the "how", such as building a fulfilling, collaborative, and sustainable team environment - Establish a robust and well-understood Program strategy for bringing a life-changing medicine to patients in need - Ensure that research, non-clinical, clinical, regulatory, CMC, and commercial strategies and plans are aligned with the overall Program strategy - Structure and facilitate critical cross-functional decisions within Program Team and senior leadership team, bringing all relevant perspectives to bear while driving to efficient decisions in a fast-paced environment - Own Program recommendations across stages of the Program to achieve milestones and timelines - Drive preparation and presentation of materials for Board of Directors - Maintain clear, open, and proactive communication with the senior leadership team and other stakeholders regarding Program strategy, status, priorities, risks and needs, and facilitate appropriate decision-making - Keep abreast of emerging developments, external non-clinical and clinical data updates and competitive intelligence in oncology ensure learnings and implications to Crescent programs are communicated and reflected in internal program plans - Build visible, constructive, and credible presence within KOL and patient community for relevant disease areas - Participate in business development activities, as needed, including opportunity evaluations and due diligence - Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, discovery, and cutting-edge R&D focused on scientific excellence, open communication, and continual improvement - Actively coach team members to achieve their best and support to mitigate gaps in skill or capacity - Consider needs of the Program in context of Crescent corporate strategy and priorities, as primary advocate for the Program among Crescent senior leadership - Lead with Crescent’s core values at the forefront Education & Experience - Experience leading cross-functional teams in Phase 1-3 drug development is required; oncology experience is required and experience with ADCs a plus - Advanced degree in Medical or Life Science, MD, PhD or MBA or equivalent - A minimum of 12 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry in leadership positions in drug development and proven track record in driving Programs through IND, early clinical, pivotal stages and approval or at least 12 years in pharmaceutical industry in significant development and/or commercial leadership or general management positions including working with development teams in cross-functional setting - Exceptional track record of delivering on business objectives, activity/milestones leading to filing and launching, and strong knowledge of oncology - Entrepreneurial team leader, able to shape and communicate the vision for an important therapeutic program and guide the development of the product strategy and its execution - Player/coach with demonstrated experience in building highly effective and motivated cross-functional teams and in guiding teams and organizations in making complex and high-stakes data-driven decisions - Outstanding sense of urgency and ability to pace the team's work to achieve milestone achievement in highly competitive landscape - Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) and ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to stakeholders and teams at all levels ## What We Offer - Opportunity to join a mission-driven team where you'll contribute to impactful work, take on varied responsibilities, and grow quickly in a dynamic environment - Competitive compensation, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity - 100% employer-paid benefits package - Flexible PTO; also, two, one-week company-wide shutdowns each year - A commitment to your professional development, with access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. ## About Crescent Biopharma ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Crescent Biopharma is a clinical-stage oncology company developing next-wave cancer therapies, including a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for solid tumors. - **Entity Type**: Public (IPO in June 2025; ticker not disclosed in available data) - **Headquarters**: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (300 Fifth Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451) - **Founded**: Year not publicly available (company appears to have been active before 2024; IPO in 2025) - **Founders**: Not publicly available (leadership includes CEO Joshua Brumm, but founder information is not listed) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Oncology biotechnology / Therapeutics - **Target customers**: B2B – primarily focuses on developing and commercializing cancer therapies, with partnerships and collaborations (e.g., Kelun-Biotech, Paragon Therapeutics) - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Delivering the next wave of transformative therapies to bring a brighter future for people living with cancer.” ## Products & Services - **CR-001 (PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody)**: A tetravalent bispecific antibody in Phase 1/2 clinical trials (ASCEND) for advanced solid tumors. Designed to exhibit cooperative pharmacology similar to ivonescimab; aims to restore T-cell activity and localize anti-VEGF activity in the tumor microenvironment. Collaboration with Kelun-Biotech for Greater China rights. - **CR-002 (PD-L1–directed ADC)**: A topoisomerase inhibitor ADC targeting PD-L1, with high internalization. IND planned for mid-2026, with Phase 1/2 trial expected in H2 2026. - **CR-003 (ITGB6–directed ADC)**: A differentiated ADC targeting integrin beta-6 (ITGB6), with a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload. Uses Kthiol conjugation technology. Licensed from Kelun-Biotech for ex-Greater China markets; Phase 1/2 trial ongoing in China. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (public company as of 2025, but no valuation or market cap figure available in provided data) - **Key Metric**: Total Funding: $585M (including $200M Series A in 2024, $185M Post-IPO Equity in 2025, and $200M Post-IPO Equity in 2025 led by Fairmount Funds Management) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Fairmount Funds Management, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, Kelun-Biotech (strategic collaboration), Paragon Therapeutics - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 129.6% YoY to 55 employees (LinkedIn); IPO in June 2025; multiple pipeline programs advancing toward IND; expansion into ADC combination trials ## Competitive Advantages - Focus on established, clinically validated targets (PD-1, VEGF, PD-L1, ITGB6) to reduce risk and accelerate development - Multi-modality approach (bispecific antibodies + ADCs) enabling combination therapies with potential synergistic effects - Proprietary ADC technology (Kthiol conjugation) and strategic collaborations for global rights to differentiated assets - Strong leadership team with deep oncology drug development expertise (former executives from major biopharma) ## Strategic Focus - Advance CR-001 as a foundational backbone therapy, with initiation of combination trials with ADCs in H2 2026 - Submit IND for CR-002 in mid-2026 and begin Phase 1/2 trials - Progress CR-003 clinical program and explore additional internal and partnered ADC and immuno-oncology opportunities - Build a leading oncology company through disciplined execution, leveraging established biology and multiple modalities ## Why Work Here - **Culture highlights**: “No egos, collaborative spirit,” “roll up sleeves,” “move with urgency,” “data-driven science with patients as true north.” Emphasizes transparency, integrity, and impact. - **Remote/hybrid/office policy**: Not explicitly stated; headquarters in Waltham, MA, with an office in Rockville, MD. Likely requires on-site presence given the “highly collaborative” and “urgent” culture. - **Notable perks**: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability, life insurance; HSA and dependent care FSA; 401(k); subsidized lunch program; flexible vacation and paid holidays including summer and year-end office closures (one week each). - **Best for**: Bold innovators who want to make a significant impact in oncology drug development, thrive in a fast-paced, transparent environment, and are motivated by patient outcomes. ## Sources 1. [crescentbiopharma.com – Careers](https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/careers/) 2. [crescentbiopharma.com – About](https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/about/) 3. [crescentbiopharma.com – Pipeline](https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/pipeline/) 4. [linkedin.com – Crescent Biopharma](https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescent-biopharma) 5. [jobs.lever.co – Crescent Biopharma](https://jobs.lever.co/crescent-biopharma) ## Other roles at Crescent Biopharma - [Executive Director/Vice President, Corporate Development](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-director-vice-president-corporate-development-crescent-biopharma-a167et02k0jt) — Waltham, MA - [Director, Clinical Supply Chain](https://feeny.ai/job/director-clinical-supply-chain-crescent-biopharma-waltham-92w8s0ryzk1d) — Waltham, MA - [Associate Director/Director, Bioanalysis](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-director-bioanalysis-crescent-biopharma-waltham-wfq3aj03vtzf) — Waltham, MA - [Director, ADC Drug Substance](https://feeny.ai/job/director-adc-drug-substance-crescent-biopharma-waltham-7dyxva49nmt1) — Waltham, MA - [Director/Senior Director, Drug Product](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-drug-product-crescent-biopharma-waltham-pj5x6ve5sp22) — Waltham, MA - [Executive Assistant - R&D](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-assistant-r-d-crescent-biopharma-waltham-th1vr004bn6z) — Waltham, MA - [Senior Director, Global Medical Affairs](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-global-medical-affairs-crescent-biopharma-waltham-hz7hjwnnayha) — Waltham, MA - [Clinical Trial Associate/Senior Clinical Trial Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/clinical-trial-associate-senior-clinical-trial-associate-crescent-biopharma-9tepp4hjn5fr) — Waltham, MA - [Director/Senior Director, GMP Quality Assurance Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-gmp-quality-assurance-operations-crescent-biopharma-zt813qk13fnp) — Waltham, MA - [Director/Senior Director, QMS, Digital QA and GxP Compliance](https://feeny.ai/job/director-senior-director-qms-digital-qa-and-gxp-compliance-crescent-biopharma-brmrgq5qf5xc) — Waltham, MA