Director Translational Research - AAV Gene Therapy

Department
43 - BLD BioTx-Research

Employment Type
Full Time

Location
San Carlos, CA

Workplace type
Onsite

Compensation
$170,000 - $215,000 / year

Description

Codexis is looking to hire an Associate Director or Director to join our Translational Biology team in Biotherapeutics.

This position is part of Biotherapeutics Research and will be located in San Carlos, CA. The Associate Director or Director is responsible for leading a translational team in gene therapy research and pre-clinical development. Level is flexible for the right candidate.

Codexis is a leading enzyme engineering company leveraging our proprietary CodeEvolver® technology platform to discover and develop novel, high performance enzymes for three healthcare industry pillars: pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, and biotherapeutic discovery & development. The enzymes we produce aim to solve real-world challenges associated with small molecule pharmaceuticals manufacturing, nucleic acid synthesis and genomic sequencing, and - as biotherapeutic candidates - they have the potential to treat challenging diseases. 

To meet this goal, we look for individuals who are driven, eager to grow and ready to embrace meaningful challenges. We empower employees to be authentic, ambitious, agile and have the courage to take action where they can make a positive impact. Whether you are driven by science, or a different area of expertise, we need you to help us create a brighter future. 

Come join us on this journey and mission of making the world a safer, healthier, and better place!
About the Opportunity:Our team is seeking a highly motivated research leader to guide our Gene Therapy Translational Biology (GTTB) group. This senior level role of GTTB is a critical part of Codexis’ Biotherapeutics Research Leadership and manages a team accountable for all translational research across Codexis’ gene therapy programs, including overseeing in vivo studies in small and large animal disease models, as well as ex vivo studies on human primary cells, iPSC-derived models, and organoids. Successful candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and enthusiastic team responsible for implementing Codexis’ core technologies to deliver candidate biologics.

If any of the below describes you, we would love to meet you!

• Passionate to discover and develop transformative therapies for patients with rare diseases.
• Strong technical background with ability to lead a translational biology team for AAV gene therapy 
• A problem solver with the ability to identify and resolve key challenges while being highly adaptive to changing circumstances and priorities

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Leading a team of scientists and research associates responsible for designing and executing translational studies to support Codexis gene therapy programs 
• Guiding efforts in identifying and developing external collaborators (academic and industrial partners, CROs, and patient advocacy groups) to support preclinical programs 
• Overseeing CROs in the execution of in vivo studies including design and management of study design protocols, contracts, contingencies, etc. 
• As a member of Biotherapeutics Research Leadership team, collaborating with group leaders from other departments (e.g., protein engineering, lead discovery, analytical sciences, bioinformatics, vector & protein sciences) to enable cross-functional research 
• Representing the Translational Biology group and presenting to project teams, senior leadership, partners, and KOLs 
• Maintaining a current understanding of the scientific literature related to rare diseases and gene therapy 
• Contributing to regulatory filings 
• Mentoring, supporting, and training team members including both direct & indirect reports and other collaborators within Biotherapeutics

The essential requirements of the job include:

• PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 8+ years of experience leading translational studies for preclinical drug discovery 
• Expertise in translational research for AAV gene therapy, including disease biology, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, preclinical models, and translational biomarkers is required 
• Strong skills in mentoring and training junior researchers. Project and people leadership experience including managing cross-functional teams and Ph.D.-level direct reports 
• Substantial experience evaluating, contracting with, and managing CROs and other collaborators for running animal studies. A solid network of CROs and academic groups is highly desirable 
• An excellent scientific background in translational research for genetic disorders including a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals 

Additional experience that would be valuable for this role includes:

• Experience with ex vivo translational models such as iPSC differentiation, organoids, and primary cell work is desired

CODEXIS PAY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Redwood City or San Carlos, CA is $170,000 to $215,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Codexis is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states​.
What can Codexis offer you? (besides an amazing and collaborative culture?)

• Full benefits on your first day
• 100% match on 401k (up to 4%)
• Life insurance 3x your salary
• Company equity program – stock and RSU’s offered for new hires and annually
• Generous PTO 
• 15 company paid holidays in addition to PTO
• Fitness reimbursement
• Back up child/dependent care
• Commuter vouchers
• Student loan assistance and student debt program
• Schedule that works for you as we support an onsite, hybrid and remote workforce for certain positions
• Internal mobility 
• Volunteer time off
• Health and wellness programs
• Legal and tax support program 

About Codexis Inc

Why join Codexis?

At Codexis we offer a very competitive compensation package and beyond excellent benefits! We foster career growth, continued education and upskilling through our mentorship program and learning and development opportunities. You will learn and work alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate about our mission and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture. Diversity is valued and mutual trust is of paramount importance to the ethos at Codexis. The people, the culture and working with others with a common goal is what makes Codexis a great place to work.

For more information, visit www.codexis.com.

NO AGENCIES OR THIRD PARTIES

Codexis is an equal opportunity employer & prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital & veteran status.