Jnana Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation RAPID chemoproteomics platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging-to-drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet needs. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class oral therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases and immune-mediated diseases. Jnana’s lead program, JNT-517, targets an allosteric site on the phenylalanine transporter SLC6A19 and is a potential first-in-class oral approach for the treatment of PKU, a rare genetic metabolic disease. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, and a highly experienced management team. For more information, please visit and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
At Jnana, you'll join a diverse, passionate team dedicated to advancing therapies for challenging diseases. Our collaborative, purpose-driven culture fosters innovation, urgency, and belonging—making Jnana a great place to work!
About The Opportunity
We are seeking a Director-level scientist with deep expertise in translational research, immunology, and biomarker strategy, and a strong background in early clinical development. This is a Boston-based role embedded within Jnana's discovery team, focused on supporting our discovery-stage immunology programs by integrating clinical and human biology insights into actionable preclinical and translational strategy.
As a Director of Translational Medicine and Biomarker Science, you will play a key role in shaping how we design and implement innovative biomarker plans, build data-driven go/no-go decision frameworks, and prepare for first-in-human (FIH) studies for novel immunology targets.
Responsibilities
- Lead clinical translational and biomarker strategy for late discovery-stage programs, primarily in immunology.
- Design and implement biomarker plans that enable early decision-making, patient stratification, and FIH study design.
- Provide clinical and translational insight into preclinical data, helping teams define and validate mechanistic hypotheses.
- Collaborate closely with discovery biology, pharmacology, and nonclinical safety teams to evaluate new targets and shape development paths.
- Act as a strategic interface with Early Development colleagues, contributing to early clinical planning and ensuring effective implementation of translational insights.
- Stay at the forefront of biomarker innovation by leading or contributing to scientific collaborations, academic partnerships, and internal strategic forums.
Desired Qualifications & Past Experience
- MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree with training in immunology, clinical pathology or related field. Board certification in Rheumatology or other immunology-relevant discipline is a plus.
- At least 2+ years of industry experience in translational medicine and early clinical development, with strong working knowledge of drug discovery, biomarker, and translational tools. Experience in a biotech or early-stage setting strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to design, lead, and implement biomarker strategy in First-in-Human through Proof of Concept trials.
- Strong conceptual understanding of immunologic mechanisms and translational models.
- Demonstrated ability to connect mechanistic biology with practical clinical endpoints and trial design considerations.
- Experience leading teams, mentoring scientific staff and working effectively in cross-functional environments.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
- Experience with small molecules and/or human cell-based translational platforms is a plus.
Minimum $188,569.00 - Maximum $271,068.80, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.
Application Deadline
This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.
Company Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.
Come discover more about Jnana and our benefit offerings;
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Jnana Therapeutics reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Jnana Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request.
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