Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology

Role Summary

Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology. Lead translational medicine strategies across one or more oncology programs to bridge preclinical research and clinical development, enabling accelerated advancement of mRNA-based oncology therapies. Provide strategic scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and clinical-translational expertise to integrate preclinical insights into development plans and regulatory submissions.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development
  • Define and drive the translational medicine strategy, including endpoint design/selection, across assigned oncology programs, from early development through pivotal stages.
  • Influence indication selection, biomarker strategy, patient stratification, dose selection, and study design at the program level.
  • Guide reverse translational approaches to inform discovery and pipeline expansion.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as team leader of the translational medicine sub-team within program teams.
  • Partner with Program Leadership, Discovery, Translational Research, Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Regulatory, and other functions to ensure integrated development plans.
  • Represent Translational Medicine at program meetings, providing scientific and strategic input into key decision points.
• Execution & Delivery
  • Oversee biomarker and translational medicine contributions to study protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs/CTAs).
  • Ensure program deliverables are executed on time and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.
  • Partner with bioinformaticians, biostatisticians and biomarker experts to ensure high-quality data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform decision-making.
  • Provide program-level updates to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Leadership & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor and develop junior translational scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Drive cross-program learning and dissemination of best practices in Oncology Translational Medicine.
  • Support external visibility of oncology programs through publications, presentations, and scientific collaborations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D. or equivalent).
• 10+ years of experience in translational medicine, with a strong background in oncology.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing translational strategies at the program level.
• Proven track record of cross-functional leadership and collaboration in a matrixed R&D environment.
• Strong understanding of biomarker discovery, validation, and clinical application; experience with emerging diagnostic and predictive technologies is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Evidence of external scientific contributions (publications, presentations, thought leadership).