Senior Director / Vice President, Biology and Translational Research
Palo Alto, CA
Description

   

Company Background

GondolaBio is a collection of biopharmaceutical companies focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally carved out of BridgeBio, GondolaBio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the BridgeBio ecosystem. GondolaBio aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to discover, create, test, and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition where tumors grow on the nerves and skin, is the focus of a pre-clinical stage program in GondolaBio’s portfolio. NF1 affects multiple organ systems, with a wide range of manifestations ranging from neurofibromas (benign nerve sheath tumors) that carry the risk of malignant transformation, to learning difficulties and bone abnormalities. Despite having two FDA-approved MEK inhibitors for NF1 patients, there is still a huge unmet need in providing safer and more efficacious treatment options to the NF1 patients, and GondolaBio strives to address this gap.


Who You Are

We seek an entrepreneurial scientist to drive the biology and translational research on NF1. You will lead scientific strategy and direction, assay development, mouse model experimentation, preclinical dose guidance, regulatory document writing including INDs, and other translational biology and pharmacology experiments through a combination of internal and external efforts. This job requires excellent technical and scientific abilities as well as communication skills. We hope to hear from you.

Requirements

   

Responsibilities

  • Lead the biology, pharmacology, and translational research for NF1
  • Develop deep understanding of the biology and pharmacology of the relevant disease area and treatment approaches
  • Responsible for generating comprehensive biology and pharmacology package, including guiding biomarker selection
  • This individual will be responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of preclinical studies to address mechanism of action and translational pharmacology studies (in vitro and in vivo)
  • Manage relationships with CROs for efficient execution of all the preclinical and translational studies
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including DMPK, toxicology, clinical development, regulatory to advance our therapeutic candidates from preclinical stages toward clinical development in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Develop scientific publications, abstracts, and posters, and investor and layperson-facing materials on the NF1 program
  • Evaluate expansion indications or additional therapy opportunities
  • Represent the program scientifically to internal and external audiences 
  • Manage research associate or scientist-level individuals as needed 
  • Contribute to the drafting of translation- and pharmacology-related sections of regulatory documents including INDs
  • Contribute to due diligence and gap analysis on potential new GondolaBio assets


Education, Experience & Skills Requirements

  • Ph.D., MD, or Ph.D./MD degree and expertise in a relevant scientific field with 7-8+ years of related work experience in pharma or biotech environment
  • Strong scientific background and achievements in bioscience and translational, ideally demonstrated by scientific publications, presentations, and/or patent
  • Proven track record of successfully leading research programs and teams
  • Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Ability to think strategically and execute effectively
  • Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partner
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards
  • Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve complex technical problems and champion innovative technologies to achieve project goals
  • Commitment, drive, and ownership mindset

What We Offer:

  • Patient Days, where we are fortunate enough to learn more about the lives we are looking to impact and a real exchange of ideas as to 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
  • Collaborative business environment
  • 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
  • Excellent compensation package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity)
  • Excellent benefits package
  • Flexible PTO
  • Rapid career advancement for strong performers

Compensation Range:  $225 – 355K