Associate Director of Translational Sciences

Job Title:

Associate Director of Translational Sciences
Location:

London, United Kingdom | Hybrid
Contract Type:

Permanent Position

Apsida Life Science is currently partnering with a pioneering, well-funded pre-clinical biotech company at the forefront of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology. This organization offers a rare opportunity to lead the transition of their lead oncology asset into First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials. With a leadership team comprising top industry experts and a cutting-edge platform designed to address unmet medical needs, this company provides an ideal environment for individuals eager to play a key role in shaping early clinical development strategies.
Their mission is focused on transforming cancer treatment through novel bispecific ADC solutions, supported by robust funding and innovative discovery platforms.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement translational science strategies that align with the "5 Rs" framework (right targets, right safety, right tissue, right patient, right commercial opportunity) for multispecific ADC programs.
Design and interpret studies focused on payload mechanisms, linker stability, and target-mediated distribution.
Guide preclinical development relating to internalization kinetics, lysosomal trafficking, and bystander effect modeling.
Oversee PK/PD modeling, biomarker development, and assay strategies to ensure IND readiness.
Support indication selection through integration of expression data, tumor biology insights, and competitive landscape analysis.
Contribute to patient enrichment strategies using biomarker-driven approaches.
Collaborate with external consultants on protocol development, dose selection rationale, and clinical site strategy.
Engage with KOLs, advisors, and regulatory bodies to drive program success.
Represent translational and early clinical insights to stakeholders including investors and business development partners.
Shape scientific positioning and pipeline narrative alongside senior leadership.

Qualifications:

Essential:
Advanced degree (PhD + 5 years or BSc/MSc + 10 years) in Oncology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related fields.
Proven expertise in steering translational science strategy for biologics into Phase 1 trials.
Strong background in PK/PD modeling, biomarker strategy, and mechanism of action studies.
Deep experience in ADC development including payload selection, toxicity assessment, and tissue penetration modeling.
Familiarity with IND preparation and early clinical trial design.
Desirable:
Experience with non-clinical models (PDX, CDX) for efficacy and biodistribution studies.
Integration of multi-omics or spatial data for patient/indication selection.
Participation in successful IND filings and FIH ADC programs.

Package:
Competitive Salary
Stock Options
Healthcare Package
Pension

• Additional Benefits
  
  If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to
  
  Finley Lenihan
  
  at Apsida Life Science:
  
  www.apsida.co.uk
  +44 (0) 203 854
  
  Apsida Life Science is a specialist recruitment business based in London (UK), Redhill (UK), Boston (USA), & Pretoria (South Africa), dedicated to delivering top talent to the Life Science industry. We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality, trusted service that places the candidate journey at the core of every process.