
Associate Director, Translational Medicine
Algen Biotechnologies, San Francisco, CA, United States
Algen is a precision medicine company harnessing the power of CRISPR and functional genomics to transform drug discovery and development. A spin‑out from the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Algen was founded at the forefront of gene‑editing innovation. We combine cutting‑edge CRISPR technologies with advanced computational approaches to systematically modulate disease biology at scale and accelerate the path to effective treatments. Join us in redefining what's possible in drug discovery.
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced
Associate Director of Translational Medicine
with deep expertise in
immunology and oncology
to lead translational strategy across our preclinical‑stage programs. This individual will serve as a critical bridge between discovery, clinical development, business development and external partners, ensuring mechanistic insights and biomarker strategies are effectively integrated into early‑phase trials. This is a high‑impact leadership role requiring a blend of scientific rigor, strategic thinking, and a tech‑enabled, multidisciplinary approach to drug development.
Key Responsibilities
Proven track record of leveraging AI platforms to de‑risk programs and compress preclinical and clinical development timelines
Deploy novel and cutting‑edge NGS platforms to accelerate translational research activities, ensuring the rapid transition of assets from discovery to clinical application
Lead development and execution of
translational science strategies
supporting programs from IND‑enabling studies through early clinical Proof‑of‑Concept (PoC)
Drive dose selection and MOA validation by integrating multi‑dimensional data into biomarker and stratification strategies, ensuring seamless alignment between research and clinical objectives
Serve as the primary medical and scientific lead for external collaborators and research sites, providing expert oversight for early‑phase translational components. This includes directing the design of biospecimen strategies, correlative studies, and exploratory endpoints while ensuring all protocols, IRB submissions, and regulatory filings (including clinical study reports) adhere to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.
Contribute to scientific strategy discussions, portfolio reviews, and partnering discussions as a subject matter expert
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
MD or MD/PhD with 5+ years in translational medicine or early drug development, including 3+ years in a Biotech/Pharma environment
Clinical Depth:
Deep expertise in Phase 0–2 clinical trial methodology and familiarity with GCP and human research regulations
Immunology:
Advanced experience in immunology‑specific drug discovery and development, with a primary focus on inflammatory diseases
Oncology:
Expert knowledge of tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment; demonstrated success integrating biomarkers and correlative science into clinical trials
Communication:
Executive presence and the ability to act as a high‑level liaison between internal teams and external partners
Preferred
Familiarity with high‑dimensional profiling platforms (e.g., single‑cell multi‑omics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays)
Prior experience within an AI‑driven drug discovery company or a tech‑bio environment
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Position Summary We are seeking an experienced
Associate Director of Translational Medicine
with deep expertise in
immunology and oncology
to lead translational strategy across our preclinical‑stage programs. This individual will serve as a critical bridge between discovery, clinical development, business development and external partners, ensuring mechanistic insights and biomarker strategies are effectively integrated into early‑phase trials. This is a high‑impact leadership role requiring a blend of scientific rigor, strategic thinking, and a tech‑enabled, multidisciplinary approach to drug development.
Key Responsibilities
Proven track record of leveraging AI platforms to de‑risk programs and compress preclinical and clinical development timelines
Deploy novel and cutting‑edge NGS platforms to accelerate translational research activities, ensuring the rapid transition of assets from discovery to clinical application
Lead development and execution of
translational science strategies
supporting programs from IND‑enabling studies through early clinical Proof‑of‑Concept (PoC)
Drive dose selection and MOA validation by integrating multi‑dimensional data into biomarker and stratification strategies, ensuring seamless alignment between research and clinical objectives
Serve as the primary medical and scientific lead for external collaborators and research sites, providing expert oversight for early‑phase translational components. This includes directing the design of biospecimen strategies, correlative studies, and exploratory endpoints while ensuring all protocols, IRB submissions, and regulatory filings (including clinical study reports) adhere to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.
Contribute to scientific strategy discussions, portfolio reviews, and partnering discussions as a subject matter expert
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
MD or MD/PhD with 5+ years in translational medicine or early drug development, including 3+ years in a Biotech/Pharma environment
Clinical Depth:
Deep expertise in Phase 0–2 clinical trial methodology and familiarity with GCP and human research regulations
Immunology:
Advanced experience in immunology‑specific drug discovery and development, with a primary focus on inflammatory diseases
Oncology:
Expert knowledge of tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment; demonstrated success integrating biomarkers and correlative science into clinical trials
Communication:
Executive presence and the ability to act as a high‑level liaison between internal teams and external partners
Preferred
Familiarity with high‑dimensional profiling platforms (e.g., single‑cell multi‑omics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays)
Prior experience within an AI‑driven drug discovery company or a tech‑bio environment
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