Director, Translational Medicine

Director, Translational Medicine – Inflammation Location: Remote primary with weekly in-person meeting in the San Francisco Bay Area Meet Life Sciences is representing a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our client is seeking a Director of Translational Medicine to lead translational strategy across its pipeline, connecting discovery and preclinical research with early clinical development. This opportunity offers significant scientific ownership within a growing biotech, combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution across biomarker development, human disease biology, and clinical readiness. The Role Develop and execute translational medicine strategies supporting preclinical and early clinical programs, aligning mechanisms of action, biomarkers, and clinical hypotheses. Lead pharmacodynamic, predictive, and exploratory biomarker strategies from discovery through IND/CTA-enabling activities and clinical development. Integrate human disease biology and preclinical findings to guide target validation, indication selection, dose rationale, and clinical development plans. Partner with research, clinical development, clinical operations, regulatory, and external collaborators to advance programs into the clinic. Lead translational contributions to regulatory submissions and clinical protocols. Oversee CROs and academic partners conducting translational studies and developing and running biomarker assays. Analyze preclinical, translational, early clinical, and large omics datasets to generate hypotheses and inform program decisions. Communicate scientific findings, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Contribute to publications, conference presentations, intellectual property, and the development of scalable translational processes. Your Background PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a relevant biomedical or life sciences discipline. At least 10 years of relevant biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience, including Director-level or equivalent leadership. Demonstrated ownership of translational strategies bridging preclinical research and early clinical development. Deep expertise in immunology, inflammation, human disease biology, and translational biomarkers. Experience directing external CROs in assay development and execution. Experience supporting IND/CTA-enabling activities and early-phase clinical programs, including healthy-volunteer studies. Strong analytical and hypothesis-generation skills, including demonstrated experience analyzing large omics datasets. Prior startup or small biotech experience, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. A record of scientific contributions through publications and/or patents. Rheumatoid arthritis and/or fibrosis experience would be advantageous. The Opportunity Shape translational strategy across a growing pipeline. Work closely with scientific and clinical leadership in a collaborative, science-driven environment. Take on meaningful responsibility and influence over program direction. Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package. Candidates must be available for weekly in-person meetings at the company’s Palo Alto headquarters. #J-18808-Ljbffr Meet Life Sciences