Director, Translational Sciences

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Director, Translational Sciences in the United States.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced translational scientist passionate about advancing innovative immuno-oncology therapies from pre-clinical research toward clinical application. In this role, you will lead external research collaborations, oversee functional validation strategies, and generate critical decision-enabling data that directly supports therapeutic development. Working at the intersection of translational science, immunology, and AI-driven discovery, you will guide complex experimental programs while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, clinical development, and regulatory functions. The position combines strategic leadership, scientific rigor, and operational oversight in a dynamic and fast-evolving environment. You will also play a key role in shaping long-term translational research capabilities, including evaluating and building internal infrastructure as the function expands. This is an ideal opportunity for a scientifically driven leader who thrives in innovative, collaborative, and mission-focused environments.

• Lead and oversee external pre-clinical translational research programs through CRO and academic partnerships focused on immuno-oncology therapies.
• Direct functional validation initiatives including immunogenicity studies, mechanism of action investigations, T-cell assays, and biomarker validation.
• Develop experimental strategies, define research frameworks, and manage statements of work, timelines, budgets, and partner performance.
• Drive the validation of AI/ML-derived targets and biomarkers using patient-derived samples and advanced immune functional assays.
• Incorporate high-throughput screening methodologies to validate drug-target interactions and ensure data quality suitable for regulatory and clinical translation.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Clinical Development, and Regulatory teams to align scientific outputs with program milestones and development objectives.
• Build and maintain a scalable external network across immunology and tumor biology while contributing to long-term internal translational research capability development.
• Deliver clear, data-driven scientific updates and actionable recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Mentor scientific staff and external collaborators, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and operational rigor.
• Support the evolution of translational research infrastructure through strategic evaluation of internal versus external capabilities.

Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field with 8+ years of post-graduate industry or translational research experience; alternatively, an MS degree with 12+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in immuno-oncology, immune functional assays, mechanistic biology, and translational research methodologies.
• Proven experience leading externalized R&D programs through CROs and academic collaborations, including governance, experimental design, and milestone management.
• Strong understanding of high-dimensional biological data analysis, including technologies such as single-cell sequencing and AI-driven target validation approaches.
• Demonstrated experience in assay development, assay transfer, and ensuring reproducibility and scientific quality standards.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage budgets, timelines, risks, and multiple parallel research initiatives.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and fast-paced research environments with an ownership-driven mindset.
• Expertise in neoantigen biology, antigen presentation validation, or tumor model systems is considered highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with a commitment to scientific collaboration and innovation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary ranging from $171,600 to $214,500 annually
• Fully remote work opportunity within the United States
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance coverage
• Fertility care benefits and complimentary testing programs for employees and immediate family members
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave benefits
• Commuter assistance programs
• Generous employee referral incentives
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in genomics, oncology, and translational medicine
• Inclusive workplace culture focused on diversity, innovation, and scientific excellence.