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 toFinley Lenihanat 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.
