Scientist I, Translational Biology

Jnana Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Preclinical Translational Scientist to help advance innovative small molecule programs from discovery into early clinical development. This role will focus on building and applying translational human tissue and cellular models to evaluate novel compounds, interrogate disease biology, and identify biomarkers that inform clinical strategy and patient selection. The successful candidate will work closely across pharmacology, translational sciences, and chemistry teams in a fast-paced biotech environment, contributing to the design and execution of studies that directly shape program direction and decision-making. Candidates should bring strong scientific curiosity, hands-on experimental expertise, and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply in vitro and ex vivo assays using patient-derived samples, primary cells, organoids and disease-relevant models.

• Isolate and culture primary cells from a broad range of tissues, leveraging experience working with human and murine-derived tissues.

• Convert primary cell systems into suitable med chem assays

• Investigate disease mechanisms and identify biomarkers to guide drug discovery and clinical translation from whole blood, skin and kidney tissues.

• Leverage omics approaches to select biomarkers to inform patient selection and stratification

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—discovery biology, pharmacology, computational biology, preclinical and clinical—to support target validation and therapeutic advancement.

• Become a subject matter expert on target biology and disease area.

• Analyze complex biological data and clearly communicate findings to internal stakeholders.

• Contribute to regulatory documentation and strategic planning for IND-enabling studies

Desired Qualifications & Past Experience

• PhD in Biology, Cell Biology, or relevant discipline with 2-5 years of industry experience or equivalent

• Experience working in dermatological, immunological or renal disease research with an interest in inflammation and fibrosis

• Familiarity with a variety of translational models (e.g., primary cells, organoids, tissue explants)

• Exposure to biomarker discovery, omics data, or early clinical translation.

• Experience in cellular readouts transcriptional/translational reporters, flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD and qPCR/RNAseq

• Experience with primary cell engineering (CRISPR, expression systems) a plus

• Hands-on experience overcoming challenges in assay development.

• Must be a committed, collaborative self-starter with a passion for learning and problem-solving.

• Able to integrate data from multiple sources in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and clinical to inform next steps.

Company benefits:  Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

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