Associate Director, Translational Medicine

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Associate Director, Translational Medicine

Palo Alto, CA

About GondolaBio

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapeutics for genetic diseases. GondolaBio is an independent sister company to BridgeBio, originally carved out in 2024 after securing $300M in private financing from external investors. GondolaBio aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases.

Who You Are

• A translational scientist who bridges discovery and early clinical development by designing and implementing biomarker and pharmacodynamic (PD) strategies that inform decision-making in IND-enabling and Phase 1/2 studies.
• Hands-on and execution-focused, with experience supporting one or more early clinical trials, translating preclinical hypotheses into fit-for-purpose clinical assays including but not limited to immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, SIMOA), protein/peptide mass spec (LC-MS/MS), transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Scientifically rigorous and detail-oriented, with a strong foundation in biomarker and bioanalytical assay development, validation, and interpretation in a regulated environment.
• Comfortable collaborating across discovery, nonclinical, clinical, bioanalytical, and external partners to co-develop translational and clinical biomarker strategy and deliver high-quality, decision-ready data.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, biotech environment with lean organization
• A pragmatic communicator who can clearly articulate experimental rationale, assay performance, and clinical relevance to cross-functional and leadership members.

Key Responsibilities

• Support translational strategy for IND-enabling and Phase 1/2 clinical programs, with a focus on PD and biomarker assay development, qualification, and implementation.
• Partner with internal and external teams to design, validate, and execute assays that support clinical endpoints and mechanistic understanding.
• Translate preclinical biomarker hypotheses into clinical assay plans, ensuring scientific rigor, feasibility, and regulatory alignment.
• Oversee assay-related activities conducted by CROs, including protocol review, data quality assessment, and troubleshooting.
• Lead biomarker data analysis and interpretation to inform stage-appropriate preclinical and clinical decision-making.
• Contribute to study planning, regulatory documentation, and cross-functional discussions related to translational endpoints.

Preferred Education & Experience (Qualifications)

• PhD in translational sciences, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioanalytical science, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant industry or translational research experience, including direct involvement in early clinical development.
• Hands-on experience developing or implementing biomarker strategy and assays supporting IND submission and Phase 1/2 programs.
• Working knowledge of bioanalytical principles, biomarker assay validation guidelines, and clinical sample workflows.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional environments and manage external partners.

Nice-to-Haves

• Familiar with multiple assay formats (e.g., ligand-binding assays, molecular assays, cell-based assays).
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions involving biomarker or assay components.
• No matter your role at GondolaBio, successful team members are
• Patient Champions, who put patients first and uphold strict ethical standards
• Entrepreneurial Operators, who drive toward practical solutions and have an ownership mindset
• Truth Seekers, who are detailed, rational, and humble problem solvers
• Individuals Who Inspire Excellence in themselves and those around them
• High-quality executors, who execute against goals and milestones with quality, precision, and speed

What We Offer

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 decentralized model that enables our program teams to focus on advancing science and helping patients

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 support career growth

Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package

Flexible PTO

Rapid career advancement for strong performers

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The base pay range for this position is $185,000 to $215,000 per year. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. A bonus plan and equity will also be offered.

Requirements: