Associate Director, Translational Medicine

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr