Associate Director of Translational Sciences

Job Title: Associate Director of Translational Sciences

Location: London, United Kingdom | Hybrid

Contract Type: Permanent Position

Apsida Life Science is currently partnering with a pioneering, well-funded pre-clinical biotech company at the forefront of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology. This organization offers a rare opportunity to lead the transition of their lead oncology asset into First-in-Human (FIH) clinical trials. With a leadership team comprising top industry experts and a cutting-edge platform designed to address unmet medical needs, this company provides an ideal environment for individuals eager to play a key role in shaping early clinical development strategies.

Their mission is focused on transforming cancer treatment through novel bispecific ADC solutions, supported by robust funding and innovative discovery platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement translational science strategies that align with the \”5 Rs\” framework (right targets, right safety, right tissue, right patient, right commercial opportunity) for multispecific ADC programs.
• Design and interpret studies focused on payload mechanisms, linker stability, and target-mediated distribution.
• Guide preclinical development relating to internalization kinetics, lysosomal trafficking, and bystander effect modeling.
• Oversee PK/PD modeling, biomarker development, and assay strategies to ensure IND readiness.
• Support indication selection through integration of expression data, tumor biology insights, and competitive landscape analysis.
• Contribute to patient enrichment strategies using biomarker-driven approaches.
• Collaborate with external consultants on protocol development, dose selection rationale, and clinical site strategy.
• Engage with KOLs, advisors, and regulatory bodies to drive program success.
• Represent translational and early clinical insights to stakeholders including investors and business development partners.
• Shape scientific positioning and pipeline narrative alongside senior leadership.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced degree (PhD + 5 years or BSc/MSc + 10 years) in Oncology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in steering translational science strategy for biologics into Phase 1 trials.
• Strong background in PK/PD modeling, biomarker strategy, and mechanism of action studies.
• Deep experience in ADC development including payload selection, toxicity assessment, and tissue penetration modeling.
• Familiarity with IND preparation and early clinical trial design.

Desirable:

• Experience with non-clinical models (PDX, CDX) for efficacy and biodistribution studies.
• Integration of multi-omics or spatial data for patient/indication selection.
• Participation in successful IND filings and FIH ADC programs.

Package:

• Competitive Salary
• Stock Options
• Healthcare Package
• Pension
• + Additional Benefits

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Finley Lenihan at Apsida Life Science:

finley.lenihan@apsida.com

🌐 www.apsida.co.uk

📞 +44 (0) 203 854

Apsida Life Science is a specialist recruitment business based in London (UK), Redhill (UK), Boston (USA), & Pretoria (South Africa), dedicated to delivering top talent to the Life Science industry. We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality, trusted service that places the candidate journey at the core of every process.