Program Head, Gene Therapy and Rare Disease

Julius Clinical is a leading global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) delivering integrated clinical development and real-world evidence solutions across five continents. Formed through the strategic merger of P95 and Julius Clinical, the organization combines P95's leadership in infectious diseases, vaccines, and real-world evidence with Julius Clinical's expertise in central nervous system, cardio-metabolic, renal, and rare diseases, creating a unique mid-sized CRO with scale, agility and scientific depth. With regional hubs in Africa, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, we operate with a team of 500 professionals and a track record that includes more than 1000 clinical trials conducted in over 50 countries. We offer comprehensive CRO capabilities supporting both full-service and modular approaches across the entire development lifecycle and post-marketing phases for pharmaceutical, biotech, and public health partners.Responsibilities

Provide executive oversight of the Gene Therapy and Rare Disease portfolio within the Neuroscience Business Unit

Serve as a senior escalation point for sponsor relationships, driving high levels of client satisfaction, retention, and repeat business

Lead CRO service delivery excellence across programs, including study start-up, feasibility, enrollment strategy, and execution

Drive the development and expansion of Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) capabilities, advancing differentiated service offerings

Own portfolio financial performance, including revenue, margins, forecasting, and resource optimization

Partner with Business Development and RFP teams to shape proposals, define execution strategies, and support bid defenses.

Establish and expand indication-specific investigator networks to support rare disease and gene therapy trials

Leverage data-driven approaches to improve enrollment performance, including feasibility analytics and screening optimization

Identify and execute strategic growth opportunities in Gene Therapy and Rare Disease aligned with sponsor demand and market trends

Description
The Program Head, Gene Therapy and Rare Disease is a senior leadership role responsible for the end-to-end oversight, strategic direction, and growth of the Gene Therapy and Rare Disease portfolio within the Neuroscience Business Unit. This role ensures the successful delivery of complex global clinical programs for sponsors while driving operational excellence, profitability, and long-term client partnerships.
This position carries full accountability for portfolio performance, including delivery outcomes, financial performance, and sponsor satisfaction, while building and scaling differentiated Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) capabilities to support future growth and market leadership.Qualifications / Experience

Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, or Master’s) in Life Sciences or related field preferred

12+ years of experience in clinical research within a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment

Extensive experience managing global clinical programs in Gene Therapy, Rare Disease, and/or Neuroscience

Demonstrated success with portfolio accountability, including financial ownership (P&L)

Proven experience managing executive-level sponsor relationships

Experience supporting or leading RFPs, bid defenses, and commercial strategy

Deep knowledge of global regulatory requirements (GCP, ICH, regional regulations)

Experience operating in global and matrixed environments

Strategic leadership within a CRO delivery model

Strong commercial and financial acumen

Ability to lead complex, global clinical programs

Originally posted on Himalayas