Director, Translational Sciences

📋 Description

• Lead the translational functional validation for Natera’s Therapeutics & Innovations division.

• Manage external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and academic collaborations to promote immuno-oncology therapies.

• Produce decision-making data essential for transitioning from pre-clinical research to clinical implications.

• Assess the 'build vs. buy' strategy and take charge of developing Natera’s internal translational research capabilities over time.

• Oversee the external pre-clinical research model, directing CRO and academic partnerships for functional validation.

• Establish experimental strategies, frameworks, and ensure partner performance through detailed statements of work (SOWs) and budgets.

• Utilize data to pinpoint risks and take responsibility for corrective measures.

• Supervise immune functional assays and spearhead experimental validation of targets and biomarkers identified through AI/ML platforms using patient-derived samples.

• Integrate high-throughput screening to confirm drug-target interactions.

• Develop a scalable external network across immunology and tumor biology.

⛳️ Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent) in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline, with 8+ years of post-graduate experience in biotech, pharma, or translational academic environments; or an MS with 12+ years of directly relevant experience.

• Demonstrated success in managing intricate external research programs and establishing translational research capabilities.

• In-depth knowledge in immuno-oncology, immune functional assays, and mechanistic evaluation.

• Familiarity with high-dimensional data (e.g., single-cell sequencing) for validating AI-driven insights.

• Proven experience in leading external R&D through CROs, overseeing governance, experimental design, and milestone completion.

• Strong project management skills, covering scoping, budgeting, and risk management across concurrent studies.

• Background in assay development, transfer, and best practices for reproducibility, treating quality as a fundamental standard.

• Excellent communication abilities to persuade cross-functional teams and external collaborators.

• Capable of operating without a definitive playbook, demonstrating an ownership mindset to develop or acquire capabilities as dictated by scientific progress.

• Preferred expertise in neoantigen biology, antigen presentation validation, or tumor model systems.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for eligible employees and their dependents.

• Complimentary testing for Natera employees and their immediate families.

• Fertility care benefits.

• Leave for pregnancy and baby bonding.

• 401k plan benefits.

• Commuter benefits.

• Generous employee referral program.