About Us:

We are a startup biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel cell therapies to cure cancers. The company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Andy Minn (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (UCSF), and Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University). We are using viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology to enhance CAR T activity in solid tumors. Our therapeutic approach has potential to be used across multiple tumor types, enabling us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients.

Based in Philadelphia and San Francisco, we are backed with significant investment by prestigious investors including ARCH Ventures and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. At our company, you would become one of our early team members where you would help to define and hone our science, be a vital part of building our culture, and contribute to the company’s future success. Here, you would collaborate with a top-notch team who care about patients and each other. We have an ownership mindset and are innovative, curious, driven, and resilient. We take time to build relationships because trust unlocks our ability to debate, share, forgive, and grow together - ultimately in service of our vision to create a universal cure for cancerous solid tumors and improve outcomes for patients.

The Role:

This individual will report to the Chief Scientific Officer. The scope of the role is flexible based on the experience and skill set of the candidate, spanning a range from VP/Head of Translational Sciences (setting the translational strategy and build) to a Senior Director, Translational Sciences Project Lead (setting up the translational assay operations and contributing to Translational Science strategy).

Key Responsibilities:

Build a world-class translational strategy:

• Identify an approach to provide mechanistic proof-of-concept for action of clinical candidate activity in Phase 1 through interrogating cell surface biomarkers, pathology and histopathology.
• Proactively identify and mitigate scientific gaps pertinent to our therapeutic areas of interest through self-education, as well as by identifying, interviewing, and incorporating the insights of “best-in-world” experts in order to augment internal knowledge.

Lead company efforts in Translational Sciences for successful transition of the organization’s drug discoveries into early-stage and late-stage development programs:

• Define the translational strategy from discovery through pre-clinical and clinical development in concert with R&D leads and Clinical Development leads.
• Outline a translational path for portfolio programs to drive novel biomarker discovery and validation. Enable learning and decision-making in early clinical development.
• Establish biomarker plans in collaboration with key stakeholder areas to ensure delivery of high-quality data.
• Support analysis, interpretation, and reports for internal decision-making and Health Authority submissions.
• Work independently, initially, and subsequently with a small internal team and external partnerships, to develop, validate and implement biomarker assays
• Serve as reviewer of reports, technical documents and presentations to support IND/CTA/BLA

Required Experience & Skills:

• Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree, with a minimum of 15 years of biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry experience
• Prior experience in translational and bioanalytical sciences with a successful proven track record of on time and fit for purpose delivery
• Experience with cell therapy is highly desired and immuno-oncology background is necessary
• Collaborative nature, geared toward cross-functional teamwork
• Experience managing budgets
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to maintain timelines and plan proactively
• Positive attitude, dedicated work ethic and flexible orientation for operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to manage an internal or external scientific team, communicate, coach, mentor and develop employees

Working Here:

• We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership
• Excellent coverage for medical, vision, dental
• 401(k) with generous match
• Life insurance
• Premium PTO policy
• Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to inclusion and diversity and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any characteristic protected under applicable law.