Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology, Cambridge, MA

About the company

Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel-winning AlphaFold system. Our interdisciplinary team of drug discovery experts and machine learning specialists has built powerful new predictive and generative AI models that accelerate scientific discovery at digital speed. Our name reflects the belief that there is an underlying symmetry between biology and information science. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, we model complex biological phenomena to design novel molecules, anticipate drug performance, and develop innovative medicines for some of the world’s most devastating diseases.

We have built a world-leading drug design engine comprising AI models capable of working across multiple therapeutic areas and drug modalities. We continually innovate on model architecture and develop cutting-edge capabilities to advance rational drug design. Our mission is to one day solve all disease with the help of AI.

About the role

The experienced Translational Medicine Director will lead, own, and execute the Translational Medicine strategy for Isomorphic’s oncology portfolio. Reporting to the Head of Translational Medicine, this role offers an opportunity to shape and advance oncology programs through clinical proof of concept. You will leverage AI and emerging technologies to ensure efficient outcomes with a high probability of success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the Translational Medicine strategy across oncology programs.
• Ensure readiness of clinical biomarker assays and delivery of corresponding data to address mechanism of action, predictive and prognostic insights, mechanisms of drug resistance, and to inform future indications and combinations.
• Serve as a core member of the oncology program teams and subject matter expert for cancer biology.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set program strategy and clinical trial design across tumor types and drug modalities.
• Deliver clinically validated assays and advance companion diagnostic development for biomarker-selected studies.
• Work closely with early portfolio scientific teams to incorporate clinical input at the start of the drug development process and translate preclinical insights into clinical design.
• Collaborate with AI and Computational Biology teams to identify, create, and utilize innovative tools for analysis of biomarker and translational datasets, accelerate diagnostic advances, and explore new approach methodologies (NAMs).
• Serve as a key contributor to the translational sections of clinical and regulatory documents including INDs, IBs, clinical protocols, lab manuals, and briefing books.
• Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to represent and communicate the translational strategy.
• Oversee and manage external CROs to ensure on-time and robust data delivery.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or similar in biology or a related field.
• 7+ years of translational experience within biotech or pharma, including oncology.
• Proven success implementing and executing translational strategy, clinical biomarkers, and diagnostic development in oncology studies.
• Experience working cross-functionally with key stakeholders internally as well as external vendors and collaborators.
• Significant expertise in cancer biology and drug development.
• Strong appetite to work in an AI-first environment.
• Willingness to go beyond traditional assays and approaches, incorporating cutting-edge methodologies to enhance therapeutic probability of success and velocity.
• Sense of urgency and accountability to operate in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing timelines and priorities.
• Strong leadership and excellent communication skills.

Nice to have

• Experience working on global oncology studies across multiple clinical phases, tumor types, and drug modalities (small molecules, biologics, peptides, glues).
• Companion diagnostic experience across countries and through regulatory approval.
• Ability to conduct analysis across multi-omic datasets independently and in collaboration with biometrics.
• Experience utilizing AI to enhance translational work.

Culture and values

We are guided by our shared values:

• Thoughtful: Curiosity, creativity, and care. It’s about good people doing good, rigorous, and future-making science every day.
• Brave: Fearlessness, initiative, and integrity. The scale of the challenge demands nothing less.
• Determined: Confidence in our hypothesis, urgency, and agility to deliver. Because disease won’t wait, so neither should we.
• Together: Connection, collaboration across fields, and catalytic relationships. Transformation is a group project, and what we’re doing will impact real people everywhere.

Work environment

We believe success requires a team with diverse skills and talents. We’re building an environment where collaboration is fundamental, learning is shared, and every employee feels supported and able to thrive. We value unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Schedule

We follow a hybrid model and require you to be in the office 3 days a week (currently Tuesday, Wednesday, and one other day depending on your team). If you have additional needs that would prevent you from following this hybrid approach, we’re happy to discuss accommodations if you’re selected for an initial screening call.