Sr. Director, Translational Medicine at Mozart Therapeutics, Inc. – Seattle, Washington

Mozart Therapeutics is an early clinical phase biopharmaceutical company located in Seattle, focused on developing novel immune engagers that specifically target a subset of T lymphocytes to delay the onset and ameliorate pathology of autoimmune diseases. We are developing first-in-class immune modulators that specifically target a novel regulatory T cell network. The company is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide scientific and operational leadership for biomarker and translational strategy across clinical development programs. This position will collaborate with Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Regulatory, and Translational teams to bridge pre-clinical biology and clinical development by integrating biological insights, biomarker data, and human clinical evidence to help inform dose selection, patient stratification, and clinical efficacy decision-making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the Translational Strategy across pre-clinical and clinical development with ownership of the ways that human biology informs program direction, risk, and value. Apply independent scientific judgment to translational decisions that shape the development path and differentiation strategy.

Define Biomarker Strategy: Translates pre-clinical discoveries into clinical biomarker strategies, identifying mechanism of action relevant biomarkers to support drug tailoring hypotheses.

Execute Translational Analyses: Oversee assay development, validation, and execution of biomarker assays across various platforms (e.g., flow assays, immunoassays) at CROs and internally, providing guidance on data analysis and interpretation.

Lead Scientific Oversight: Serve as key liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including diagnostic vendors and scientific partners. Manage internal and external specialty lab testing, biomarker data management, and analyses.

Create and Integrate Decision-Enabling Readouts: Ensure biomarker and translational outputs are high-quality, interpretable, and designed to support clear program decisions. Synthesize translational and clinical evidence into reports to support clinical decision-making and participate in the preparation of regulatory submissions.

Drive Strategic Cross-functional Recommendations: Work within the program leadership team, to effectively communicate complex biomarker strategies to derive recommendations for company positions to cross-functional teams and senior leaders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in the application of biomarkers during clinical development, including experience with development, validation, and implementation of biomarkers in the immunology space.
• Previous experience in writing and reviewing regulatory submissions and collaborative agreements
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Proven experience of independent leadership of translational biomarker strategy for auto-immune programs, including study design, operational startup and execution, data generation and analysis
• Strong understanding of translational approaches as applied to clinical trial design and regulatory processes, proof-of-concept studies, and the implementation of biomarkers and diagnostics
• Ability to contribute to both technical and strategic discussions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ph.D./MS/BS in immunology, cell biology, Molecular biology, immunology or a related field with relevant research/industry experience industry 10+ years (PhD), 15+ years (MS/BS).
• 10+ years of experience in translational research and clinical stage programs, with a strong focus on human immunology
• The salary range is $245,000 min to $290,000 max. Fully qualified candidates will be paid in proximity to the salary mid-point.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in both a laboratory and office environment. Daily use of a computer and other computing and digital devices is required. This position requires work before or after normal working hours (8am – 5pm) during the work week and on weekends.

The physical demands of the position described herein are essential functions of the job and employees must be able to successfully perform these tasks for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those individuals with real or perceived disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job described.

Mozart Therapeutics has an innovative, fast paced, collaborative culture looking to hire individuals who are seeking to make a significant contribution to advancing and developing novel CD8 Treg modulators that target a subset of T lymphocytes to improve clinical outcomes in patients with autoimmune diseases. We are a privately held biopharmaceutical company founded in 2020.

We offer our employees competitive compensation including annual performance bonuses and stock option grants (subject to Board approval). The wage range shown is based on the job posting’s primary location. Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and location, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. Benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid time off between Dec 25 and Jan 1, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching. All benefits are non-contractual and may be amended, terminated, or enhanced as Mozart Therapeutics deems necessary. We are an equal opportunity employer.