Director/Sr. Director, Oligonucleotide Translational Science

GondolaBio

Lead translational scientist for oligonucleotide drug development at GondolaBio. Oversee IND-enabling studies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive therapeutic advancements.

Posted 6/12/2026full-time🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $235,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead or directly contribute to evaluation of oligonucleotide DMPK data: pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, tissue uptake, durability, and exposure-response relationships
Collaborate with DMPK teams to assess PK/PD relationships and contextualize safety findings relative to systemic and tissue-level exposure
Integrate DMPK insights into cohesive preclinical and translational narratives supporting candidate selection and IND filing
Lead integration and interpretation of preclinical safety and pharmacology data, with a strong focus on off-target effects and risk mitigation
Partner with toxicology and biology teams to distinguish target-related from off-target findings, assess dose-limiting toxicities, and evaluate therapeutic index
Identify data gaps, recommend mechanistic or follow-up studies, and support risk mitigation strategy
Contribute directly to IND-enabling study design and execution, including in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, ADME, and supporting safety packages
Serve as a senior scientific leader on siRNA and/or ASO programs, providing expert review of oligonucleotide design strategies, chemistry, modification approaches, and conjugation strategies
Critically evaluate complex preclinical datasets and synthesize data-driven recommendations for program decisions
Provide scientific oversight of CRO-executed studies — preclinical safety, in vivo pharmacology, bioanalytical, and DMPK — including study design input, protocol review, data package review, and final reports
Serve as primary scientific point of contact with external partners to ensure scientific rigor, clear communication, and timely delivery
Collaborate closely with chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, translational, and clinical teams to support data-driven program decisions
Clearly communicate complex preclinical datasets in team meetings and governance forums

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field; or equivalent advanced degree with commensurate industry experience
10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide drug development, with demonstrated ownership of IND-enabling programs (siRNA and/or ASO strongly preferred)
Direct, hands-on experience with DMPK and ADME studies specific to oligonucleotide programs; experience through CRO oversight and data interpretation will also be considered
Prior experience contributing to one or more IND submissions, including preclinical pharmacology, DMPK, and/or safety packages
Strong working knowledge of oligonucleotide DMPK concepts: PK/PD, biodistribution, tissue uptake, off-target assessment, and therapeutic index evaluation
Experience managing and collaborating with CROs on study design, execution, and data review
Strong data analysis, scientific communication, and presentation skills
Nice-to-Haves Direct experience with conjugated oligonucleotides (GalNAc-siRNA, antibody-oligo conjugates, or similar ligand-based delivery approaches)
Bioanalytical experience managing vendors on PK and PD assays across diverse matrices (LC-MS/MS, ELISA, MSD ECL, hybrid-ELISA, qPCR, NGS)
Exposure to translational or biomarker-related studies
Chinese Mandarin language proficiency (spoken and/or written)
Prior experience in a small or fast-growing biotech environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Patient Days, where we are fortunate to hear directly from individuals living with the conditions we are seeking to impact throughout the year and learn how we can improve our efforts.
A culture inspired by our values: put patients first, think independently, be radically transparent, every minute counts, and let the science speak.
An unyielding commitment to always putting patients first.
A de-centralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients.
Our affiliate structure is designed to eliminate bureaucracy and put decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the science.
A place where you own the vision – both for your program and your own career path.
A collaborative, fast-paced, data-driven environment where we inspire ourselves and each other to always perform at the top of our game.
Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life.
Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs).
Flexible PTO.
Rapid career advancement for strong performers.
Potential ability to work on multiple GondolaBio Pharma programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time.
Partnerships with leading institutions.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

DMPKADMEpharmacokineticsbiodistributiontissue uptakeoff-target assessmenttherapeutic index evaluationdata analysisscientific communicationpresentation skills

Soft Skills

collaborationleadershipcommunicationdata-driven decision makingrisk mitigation

Certifications

Ph.D. in pharmacologyPh.D. in molecular biologyPh.D. in biochemistry