Head of Information Technology

About Kyverna Therapeutics

Kyverna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for autoimmune disease patients. Grounded in core values such as Stay True to Why, Collaborate to Accelerate, Lead with Clarity, Boldly Innovative, and Own the Outcome, the company is committed to advancing innovative treatments and redefining possibilities in cell therapy.

Role Overview

The Head of Information Technology will spearhead the company's technology strategy during its evolution from a development-centric biotech to a fully integrated commercial enterprise. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role involves overseeing enterprise applications, cybersecurity, infrastructure, validation, data governance, IT operations, and digital enablement. The position is based in Emeryville, CA (preferably hybrid) or remote with west coast working hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with corporate and commercialization goals.
• Act as a senior technology advisor on strategy, investments, and risk management.
• Establish governance structures and operating models to support organizational scaling.
• Lead IT strategies that support the transition to commercial operations and product launch readiness.
• Manage deployment of commercial systems including CRM, incentive compensation, territory alignment, analytics, and omnichannel platforms.
• Collaborate with Commercial leadership to enable field operations, customer engagement, and market access.
• Ensure seamless integration of commercial platforms with ERP, HRIS, finance, and enterprise data systems.
• Oversee enterprise application strategy, implementation, integration, and lifecycle management across all departments.
• Lead data governance, master data management, and enterprise reporting efforts.
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Direct enterprise cybersecurity initiatives to protect intellectual property, patient data, and regulated systems.
• Manage IT risk, business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response planning.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and collaborate with Legal, Quality, and Internal Audit for risk mitigation and audits.
• Oversee validation strategies for GxP and regulated systems, ensuring inspection readiness and compliance.
• Lead IT operations including infrastructure, cloud, networks, collaboration tools, end-user computing, and global IT service delivery.
• Manage IT service desk operations, ITSM processes, and continuous improvement programs.
• Define and enforce service levels and operational standards.
• Build and lead a high-performing IT team; develop leaders in cybersecurity, applications, infrastructure, and operations.
• Foster a culture emphasizing accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
• Align IT workforce planning with business growth trajectories.
• Lead IT sourcing, manage vendors and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee IT operating and capital budgets to ensure cost-efficient value delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 15 years of advancing IT leadership experience within biotech or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Proven success in building and scaling IT organizations supporting commercial launches and rapid growth.
• Extensive experience leading enterprise application implementation and integration including ERP, CRM, data, and corporate systems.
• Hands-on involvement in supporting commercial product launches and field force enablement.
• Strong background in cybersecurity, technology risk management, and compliance programs.
• Experience with GxP-regulated environments and computer system validation activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage external vendors, system integrators, and managed service providers.
• Excellent leadership of complex IT teams and external technology partners.
• Deep knowledge of commercial life sciences platforms and data ecosystems.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected national salary range for this position is from $290,000 to $325,000 per year. For candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the salary range is approximately $310,000 to $340,000 annually. Actual salary will depend on individual qualifications such as experience, education, tenure, and skills as well as internal equity and market alignment. This role is also eligible for additional compensation via bonus, benefits, and participation in the company’s stock plan.