Director Translational Research

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous Director of Translational Research to lead translational strategy and execution for our pipeline. This individual will be responsible for identifying and validating development opportunities across multiple disease areas; planning and performing proof-of-concept studies in preclinical _in vitro_ and _in vivo_ models; developing and implementing potential predictive biomarkers for clinical hypothesis testing and patient selection; and developing and implementing pharmacodynamic biomarkers for Neomorph’s clinical studies. The role is highly cross-functional and will work closely with Research Biology, Clinical Development/Clinical Operations, Data Sciences (Bioinformatics), and external collaborators/CROs. The ideal candidate has deep biology expertise in human disease biology, strong translational research experience, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, small-company environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and validate development opportunities across the Neomorph pipeline.
• Design and oversee preclinical translational studies using _in vitro_ and _in vivo_ models (e.g., cell lines, organoids, xenografts, PDX models, _ex vivo_ patient samples) and relevant molecular profiling platforms.
• Develop predictive biomarker hypotheses and translational plans to support indication selection, patient enrichment, and resistance mechanisms.
• Developing and implementing pharmacodynamic biomarkers in Neomorph’s clinical studies. Clinical biomarker strategies include tissue and blood-based assays, e.g., LC-MS, IHC/IF, ctDNA, NGS, and other potential biomarker readouts.
• Lead translational research strategy from discovery through early clinical development.
• Partner with Clinical Development/Operations to integrate translational endpoints into Phase 1/2 clinical protocols and to implement biospecimen collection, processing, shipment, testing, and data delivery.
• Oversee external vendors, academic collaborators, and CROs for translational assays and biomarker test development, validation, and analyses.
• Collaborate with Bioinformatics/Biometrics to analyze and interpret translational datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, pharmacodynamic, and clinical outcome data.
• Support dose selection, dose schedule optimization, indication expansion, and combination strategies through translational data.
• Contribute to regulatory documents, including INDs, clinical protocols, investigator brochures, annual reports, and responses to health authority questions.
• Present translational data and strategy to internal leadership and external partners.
• Stay current with the target’s biology, biomarker technologies, competitive intelligence, and emerging therapeutic mechanisms.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree in biology or genomics, molecular biology, translational medicine, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in drug discovery, translational research, and clinical biomarker development, with biotech/pharma experience preferred.
• Experience supporting programs in IND-enabling, Phase 1, and/or Phase 2 clinical development.
• Experience with _in vitro_ and _in vivo_ models (e.g., cell lines, organoids, xenografts, PDX models, ex vivo patient samples) and relevant molecular profiling.
• Hands-on experience with biomarker assays such as e.g., LC-MS, IHC, IF, ctDNA, NGS, RNA-seq, flow cytometry, proteomics, single-cell methods, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to translate preclinical biology into clinical biomarker and patient-selection strategies.
• Experience managing CROs, academic collaborations, and external translational vendors.
• Strong data interpretation skills and ability to integrate complex biological, pharmacodynamic, and clinical datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a, fast-moving biotech environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in oncology and at least one non-oncology disease area is a plus.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation is a plus.
• Experience with PD biomarker development and predictive biomarker strategies for patient enrichment.
• Prior experience contributing to IND submissions or early clinical oncology protocols.
• Familiarity with companion diagnostic or exploratory diagnostic development.

Key Competencies

• Scientific leadership and strategic thinking.
• Translational and clinical-development mindset.
• Strong human biology expertise.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Vendor and project management.
• Clear communication with scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Hands-on problem-solving in a small-company environment.
• Ability to balance scientific rigor with practical execution.

What we offer:

• Industry-competitive compensation
• Annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401K plan
• Career advancement opportunities
• Monthly town halls to share business and scientific updates

Work Hard, Stay Well

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their dependents
• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly Neomorph contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 holidays + Winter Shutdown + 3 weeks of vacation time with additional accruals after 2nd year of employment, separate sick leave.
• Supplemental pay for Pregnancy Disability Leave
• Paid Parental Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

Lifestyle

• Casual work environment
• Volunteer days off each year to spend time contributing to causes you care about
• Flexible work schedule
• Access to onsite gym
• Onsite space to store your bicycle (or surfboard)

Have Fun!

We believe in work/life balance and Fun is at the core of our Core Values. In addition to department and company happy hours, we have regular company-wide and department lunches and social events (ie Padres games, summer picnic, holiday party, bring your kids to work day).

About Us:

Neomorph is a venture backed biotechnology company solving critical problems in human health through the discovery and development of innovative new medicines against ‘undruggable targets’. Our team is comprised of industry leading experts in protein degradation and molecular glues who have a track record of ground-breaking discoveries in the field. We are committed to leadership in advancing the science and technology of molecular glue drug discovery, while prosecuting a pipeline of projects through clinical development. Our patient-first, science-driven approach is complemented by our dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Neomorph is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Neomorph is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.