Scientist , Translational Biology

About the role

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.

• 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, including human and murine‑derived tissues.
• Convert primary cell systems into suitable medicinal chemistry 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 that 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.

• PhD in Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 2‑5 years of industry experience or equivalent.
• Experience 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, including transcriptional/translational reporters, flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, and qPCR/RNAseq.
• Experience with primary cell engineering (CRISPR, expression systems) is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience overcoming challenges in assay development.
• Self‑starter who is committed, collaborative, and passionate about learning and problem‑solving.
• Ability to integrate data from multiple sources— in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and clinical—to inform next steps.

Minimum salary $98,400 to $141,450
, plus incentive opportunity. This range represents typical pay for individuals hired in the role to perform in the United States; actual pay will be positioned within the established range based on experience and skills.

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; generous 401(k) match; flexible time off; paid holidays; paid leave programs; and other company‑provided benefits.

Jnana Therapeutics 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 for this position because of a disability, please contact Accommodation Request.