Director of Translational Biology

Barrington James; Paris; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James seeks an accomplished Director of Translational Biology to lead a multidisciplinary team and steer multiple preclinical programmes. You will shape scientific strategy for non-viral delivery technologies in nucleic acid therapeutics and work with internal teams and external partners to advance candidates.

You will guide discovery, oversee studies, and present progress to senior leadership, driving innovation in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 8+ years of industry experience in biotech/biopharma.
• Strong preclinical pharmacology expertise and in vivo delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Experience in oncology and preclinical models.
• Proven track record leading scientific teams.
• Experience managing preclinical studies, CROs and external collaborations.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists and research staff.
• Direct preclinical discovery programmes and proof-of-concept studies across in vitro and in vivo models.
• Drive research into nucleic acid delivery technologies and lipid nanoparticle platforms.
• Oversee biodistribution, functional delivery and therapeutic potential assessments.
• Define scientific priorities, allocate resources and ensure milestones are met.
• Manage CRO relationships and external collaborations.
• Present findings and strategies to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Skills

Preclinical pharmacology

In vivo delivery

Immunology

Oncology knowledge

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Immunology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related

Job description

Director of Translational Biology

We are seeking an experienced Director of Translational Biology to lead a multidisciplinary scientific team and oversee multiple preclinical research programmes focused on advancing next-generation genetic medicines.

This is a senior leadership position for an industry-experienced scientific leader with a strong background in preclinical pharmacology, in vivo delivery and immunology, alongside experience in oncology and a proven track record of managing scientific teams.

The Role

As Director of Translational Biology, you will lead translational research programmes, oversee discovery and preclinical studies, and help shape scientific strategy for the development of innovative non-viral delivery technologies for nucleic acid therapeutics.

Working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, you will drive scientific innovation, address complex delivery challenges and support the progression of therapeutic candidates through preclinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of in vivo and in vitro scientists and research associates.

• Direct preclinical discovery programmes, including proof-of-concept studies across in vitro systems and in vivo models.

• Drive research into nucleic acid delivery technologies, including targeted delivery approaches and lipid nanoparticle platforms.

• Oversee experimental strategies to assess biodistribution, functional delivery and therapeutic potential.

• Define scientific priorities, manage resources and ensure programmes deliver against agreed timelines and milestones.

• Establish and manage CRO relationships, external collaborations and cross-functional partnerships.

• Present scientific findings, research strategies and programme updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Experience Required

• PhD in Immunology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or a related scientific discipline.

• Significant industry experience within biotechnology or biopharmaceutical research, ideally with 8+ years of relevant experience.

• Strong expertise in preclinical pharmacology and experience with the in vivo delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.

• Experience within oncology and a strong understanding of relevant preclinical models.

• Proven experience leading, managing and developing scientific teams.

• Experience overseeing preclinical studies, managing CROs and coordinating external collaborations.

• Excellent scientific problem-solving, project management and communication skills.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an established scientific leader with the ability to combine strategic direction with technical expertise. You will have experience managing multiple complex research programmes, developing scientific talent and working across functions in a fast-paced biotechnology environment.

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping translational research strategy, building scientific capabilities and advancing innovative genetic medicine programmes.