Principal Scientist/ Associate Director, Translational Biology

Job Description

Description:

Company Background:

GondolaBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation therapeutics for genetic diseases. Originally launched as BridgeBioX, a subsidiary of BridgeBio, GondolaBio secured $300M in private financing from external investors in 2024 and became an independent company within the BridgeBio ecosystem. The company aims to leverage cutting-edge biological research to create breakthrough medicines addressing high unmet needs across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology. Located on the Stanford Life Sciences campus, GondolaBio fosters a unique hybrid environment where top scientists from around the world collaborate with senior leadership and advisors, blending industry expertise with academic innovation.

To learn more, visit us at gondolabio.com

Who you are:

We're seeking an entrepreneurial scientific leader who combines intellectual rigor with practical execution skills to advance our translational biology program at Gondola Bio. You will serve as the scientific lead for early clinical development of a novel therapeutic. You approach science methodically, questioning data thoroughly while remaining open to new evidence that might challenge your thinking. You communicate clearly, take full ownership of your work, and know when to pursue scientific perfection versus making pragmatic progress. In this role, you'll lead our early clinical development efforts, overseeing internal assay development and translational biology strategy. You will also help drive scientific direction, preclinical dosing, and other pharmacology experiments. We maintain high standards for our team—we need scientists who deliver technical excellence while moving with the speed and adaptability required in a focused biotech environment where getting effective treatments to patients is our north star.

Requirements:

Ex Vivo & In Vivo Translational Study Design & Execution:

Design, implement, and lead novel ex vivo and in vivo translational studies to evaluate small molecule inhibitor pharmacology, target engagement, efficacy, and safety

Develop and optimize cell-based assays based on literature precedent, adapting established methods to address our specific scientific questions

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define pharmacodynamic biomarker strategies, dosing regimens, and readouts to accelerate clinical development

Independently lead study design and execution from concept to completion with minimal supervision

Translational Assay Development:

Establish and validate enzyme inhibition assays in physiologically relevant systems

Develop and implement cell-based and tissue-based assays to measure target engagement and functional outcomes

Create innovative approaches to measure compound efficacy in disease-relevant contexts

Work closely with medicinal chemistry and DMPK teams to establish structure-activity relationships and optimize lead compounds

Sample Management & Analysis:

Establish robust workflows for biological sample collection, processing, and analysis

Implement quality control standards ensuring data reliability and reproducibility

Lead design and execution of bioanalytical assays (e.g., enzyme activity assays, biochemical assays, cellular imaging, tissue analysis) to assess target engagement and pharmacodynamic effects

Integrate datasets across multiple platforms to draw meaningful conclusions about compound efficacy

CRO Study Coordination & Oversight:

Identify, evaluate, and manage CRO partnerships for specialized translational studies

Develop detailed study protocols and establish clear success criteria for external work

Serve as primary scientific liaison between internal teams and CROs to ensure study quality and timeline adherence

Critically evaluate external data and integrate findings into the broader development strategy

Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration:

Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, research, clinical, and regulatory teams to translate preclinical findings into clinical strategies

Present data & findings to C-suite

Provide strategic insights to guide compound selection, development candidate nomination, and regulatory submissions

Mentor junior scientists in translational research methodologies and best practices

Represent translational biology in key decision-making forums and milestone reviews

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements

PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related field with 6+ years of industry experience in translational biology for small molecule drug development

Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing ex vivo and in vivo studies to evaluate small molecule efficacy and mechanism of action

Track record of successfully developing novel cell-based and biochemical assays to answer specific drug development questions

Experience with enzyme inhibition assays and cellular models of enzyme dysregulation

Technical Skills:

Expertise in biochemical and cell-based assay development, with particular focus on enzyme activity measurement

Strong understanding of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships for small molecules

Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets

Experience with relevant disease models (experience with pancreatic disease models is a plus)

Leadership & Collaboration:

Proven ability to work independently while maintaining strong cross-functional relationships

Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences

Strategic mindset with focus on critical path activities that accelerate development timelines

Comfort with fast-paced environment and ability to adapt quickly to evolving priorities

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. Learn more about how we do this here

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 BridgeBio Pharma programs across multiple therapeutic areas over time

Partnerships with leading institutions

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At GondolaBio, we strive to provide a market-competitive total rewards package, including base pay, an annual performance bonus, company equity, and generous health benefits. Below is the anticipated salary range for candidates for this role who will work in California. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will depend 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, educational background, location of residence and performance during the interview process. GondolaBio is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions based in other states.

Compensation range: $195,000 - $215,000

Full-time