• Job Description

  Req#: R9707

  About Us

  Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.” Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative products, with a focus on pharmaceutical products to meet unmet medical needs and nutraceutical products for the maintenance of everyday health.

  As a Director of Translational Medicine (TM), you will be a champion of Otsuka’s culture and values and will support Discovery and Early Development activities for Jnana Therapeutics, an Otsuka Discovery entity. You will lead the integration of human biology and biomarker insights into our discovery pipeline and early clinical programs. This critical role will shape how we translate novel immunology targets and innovative biomarker endpoints into first-in-human and proof-of-concept studies, guiding both strategy and execution.

  The ideal candidate is an experienced physician-scientist (MD, MD/PhD) with a strong background in early clinical development, biomarkers, and translational research, and thrives in a cross-functional biotech setting. This is a hybrid position based in Boston and regular on-site presence is required to foster collaboration.

  Job Description:

  • Lead clinical translational strategy for late discovery and early clinical-stage programs in immunology and nephrology.
  • Oversee the design, validation, and implementation of biomarker strategies, including pharmacodynamic and target engagement markers, to enable early clinical go/no-go decisions, patient stratification and dose selection.
  • Provide medical oversight of early phase studies and oversee protocol development and study execution in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders
  • Partner with Discovery Biology and Nonclinical functions to identify and evaluate new targets, assess potential safety concerns, and build go/no-go development rationale.
  • Provide clinical insight to a team of translational scientists developing primary human cell and ex vivo systems to support program hypotheses and biomarker discovery.
  • Support regulatory filings including INDs, IBs, and CTAs, with specific responsibility for translational content and strategy.
  • Provide medical support to Nonclinical toxicology team to ensure appropriate toxicology coverage for intended indication and dose regimen.
  • Lead or participate in Key Opinion Leader (KOL) meetings, advisory boards, and academic/scientific collaborations to stay on the leading edge of biomarker innovation.
  • Represent Translational Medicine at internal governance, strategic planning, and portfolio review forums.
  • Manage and support accurate preparation of scientific material for conference/congress presentations, manuscripts/publications, as well as any internal or external scientific communication related to clinical studies or mechanism of action of the study drug.

  Desired Qualifications & Past Experience:

  • MD or MD/PhD, or equivalent in immunology, pharmacology, or related field. Board certified in Rheumatology or Nephrology strongly preferred.
  • At least 2+ years of industry experience in translational medicine and early clinical development, with great working knowledge of drug discovery, biomarker, and translational tools.
  • Strong background in immunology and rheumatological disease; knowledge of nephrology or metabolic disease is a plus.
  • Proven track record in biomarker strategy and execution in First-in-Human through Proof of Concept trials.
  • Experience leading teams, mentoring scientific staff and working effectively in cross-functional environments.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels.
  • In-depth knowledge of pharmacology models strongly preferred.
  • Experience with small molecules and human cell-based translational platforms is a plus.

  #MS

  Competencies
  Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
  Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
  Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
  Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
  Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
  Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

  Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka .

  Disclaimer:

  This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

  Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic .

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability . You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request .

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  Please understand, Otsuka will never ask for financial information of any kind or for payment of money during the job application process. We do not require any financial, credit card or bank account information and/or any payment of any kind to be considered for employment. We will also not offer you money to buy equipment, software, or for any other purpose during the job application process. If you are being asked to pay or offered money for equipment fees or some other application processing fee, even if claimed you will be reimbursed, this is not Otsuka. These claims are fraudulent and you are strongly advised to exercise caution when you receive such an offer of employment.

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  Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Otsuka Precision Health, Inc. (“Otsuka”) does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any Otsuka employee directly or through Otsuka’s application portal without a valid written search agreement in place for the position will be considered Otsuka’s sole property. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired by Otsuka as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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