Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Oligonucleotide Translational Science
Palo Alto, CA or Shanghai, China

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

You are a seasoned translational scientist with deep, hands-on experience in oligonucleotide drug development — not just discovery. You have owned or directly contributed to IND-enabling packages for siRNA and/or ASO programs, with personal experience running or closely directing preclinical pharmacology, DMPK, and safety studies rather than solely inheriting and interpreting data generated by others. You think in terms of program advancement: what data does the IND need, where are the gaps, and how do we get there rigorously and efficiently. You are as comfortable reviewing a biodistribution dataset or a metabolite identification report as you are discussing oligonucleotide chemistry or off-target risk. You communicate complex preclinical findings clearly to cross-functional partners and governance forums.

We are looking for someone whose core experience lies at the intersection of oligonucleotide pharmacology and IND-enabling development. The ideal candidate has:

• Designed, managed, executed and analyzed preclinical in vitro and in vivo IND-enabling studies on PK, PD, efficacy, MoA and immunogenicity evaluations

• Hands-on experience with in vitro and in vivo ADME and DMPK studies: biodistribution, PK recovery, drug-drug interactions (DDI), plasma protein binding (PPB), metabolic stability, and metabolite identification

• Deep familiarity with conjugated oligonucleotides (e.g., GalNAc-siRNA, antibody-oligo conjugates) as a strong differentiator

• Experience managing bioanalytical CRO vendors on PK and PD assays across diverse matrices, including LC-MS/MS, ELISA, MSD ECL, hybrid-ELISA, qPCR, and/or NGS (nice-to-have, not required)

Key Responsibilities

Preclinical DMPK & PK/PD Integration

• Lead or directly contribute to evaluation of oligonucleotide DMPK data: pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, tissue uptake, durability, and exposure-response relationships

• Collaborate with DMPK teams to assess PK/PD relationships and contextualize safety findings relative to systemic and tissue-level exposure

• Integrate DMPK insights into cohesive preclinical and translational narratives supporting candidate selection and IND filing

Preclinical Safety & Off-Target Risk Analysis

• Lead integration and interpretation of preclinical safety and pharmacology data, with a strong focus on off-target effects and risk mitigation

• Partner with toxicology and biology teams to distinguish target-related from off-target findings, assess dose-limiting toxicities, and evaluate therapeutic index

• Identify data gaps, recommend mechanistic or follow-up studies, and support risk mitigation strategy

IND-Enabling Program Support

• Contribute directly to IND-enabling study design and execution, including in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, ADME, and supporting safety packages

• Serve as a senior scientific contributor to siRNA and/or ASO programs, providing expert review of oligonucleotide design strategies, chemistry, modification approaches, and conjugation strategies

• Critically evaluate complex preclinical datasets and synthesize data-driven recommendations for program decisions

CRO & External Partner Oversight

• Provide scientific oversight of CRO-executed studies — preclinical safety, in vivo pharmacology, bioanalytical, and DMPK — including study design input, protocol review, data package review, and final reports

• Serve as primary scientific point of contact with external partners to ensure scientific rigor, clear communication, and timely delivery

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Decision Support

• Collaborate closely with chemistry, DMPK, toxicology, translational, and clinical teams to support data-driven program decisions

• Clearly communicate complex preclinical datasets in team meetings and governance forums

Preferred Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field; or equivalent advanced degree with commensurate industry experience.

• 8+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide drug development, with demonstrated ownership of IND-enabling programs (siRNA and/or ASO strongly preferred)

• Direct, hands-on experience with DMPK and ADME studies specific to oligonucleotide programs; experience through CRO oversight and data interpretation will also be considered

• Prior experience contributing to one or more IND submissions, including preclinical pharmacology, DMPK, and/or safety packages

• Strong working knowledge of oligonucleotide DMPK concepts: PK/PD, biodistribution, tissue uptake, off-target assessment, and therapeutic index evaluation

• Experience managing and collaborating with CROs on study design, execution, and data review

• Strong data analysis, scientific communication, and presentation skills

Nice-to-Haves

• Direct experience with conjugated oligonucleotides (GalNAc-siRNA, antibody-oligo conjugates, or similar ligand-based delivery approaches)

• Bioanalytical experience managing vendors on PK and PD assays across diverse matrices (LC-MS/MS, ELISA, MSD ECL, hybrid-ELISA, qPCR, NGS)

• Exposure to translational or biomarker-related studies

• Chinese Mandarin language proficiency (spoken and/or written)

• Prior experience in a small or fast-growing biotech environment

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 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.
• Access to learning and development resources to help you get in the best professional shape of your life.
• Robust and market-competitive compensation & benefits package (Base, Performance Bonus, Equity, health, welfare & retirement programs).
• Flexible PTO.
• Rapid career advancement for strong performers.
• Potential ability to work on multiple GondolaBio Pharma programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time. 
• Partnerships with leading institutions.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

The base pay range for this position for the United States 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.