Synthekine is a Menlo Park, CA based biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing best in class cytokine therapeutics to treat cancer and autoimmunity. We use our unique insights on how cytokines bind to their receptors and tune these systems though protein engineering to generate therapeutics that have transformative potential. Synthekine was formed in 2019 and has raised $290M from leading biotech investors. We are advancing a deep pipeline of therapeutics against some of the most important cytokine targets. Come join us and help us give patients and physicians better options to treat disease and advance cytokine science along the way.
Position Summary
Synthekine is seeking an Associate Director/Director of Translational Pathology to lead our Translational Pathology Department and play a pivotal role in advancing our cytokine-based therapeutics. The successful candidate will direct a range of histopathology-based projects supporting decision making in preclinical and clinical research programs in oncology, inflammation, immunotherapy, and cell therapy. Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, this role will involve building and overseeing the pathology team, managing pathology workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally to integrate pathology analytics into the drug discovery and development pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive translational pathology strategy that aligns with Synthekine’s therapeutic pipeline.
- Lead and mentor the Translational Pathology team, fostering innovation and excellence.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to prioritize and allocate pathology resources effectively.
- Oversee all histology and pathology workflows, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining (H&E, special stains, IHC, multiplex IF), and imaging of FFPE and frozen tissues from animal models and humans.
- Spearhead the development and validation of novel pathology-based assays to support biomarker discovery and validation.
- Lead and expand our digital pathology analytics, including image capture, analysis, and quantification using platforms like Halo, Akoya Inform, and Visiopharm.
- Provide histopathology guidance to the in vivo pharmacology, translational sciences and clinical teams to integrate pathology analysis into experimental design, data interpretation and therapeutic candidate selection.
- Contribute to clinical and preclinical biomarker strategies, including efficacy interpretation and patient stratification as well as preclinical efficacy endpoints, and safety assessments.
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation of experiments and analyses in electronic lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling ELN).
- Maintain a high-quality laboratory environment by overseeing the procurement of essential reagents and supplies.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines and internal quality standards.
Qualifications
- PhD in Pathology, Molecular Biology, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
- 8+ years of related experience (Associate Director level), 10+ years (Director level) including hands-on experience with histology techniques (FFPE, frozen tissues) and immunohistochemistry and image analysis.
- Proven track record of leadership in biotech or pharmaceutical settings, with experience building and managing teams.
- Expertise in digital pathology, image analysis, and multiplexing technologies.
- Strong understanding of cytokine biology, oncology, and immunology.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to engage with cross-functional teams and external partners.
The anticipated salary range for the position of Associate Director based in our Menlo Park, CA office is $175,000-212,500; The anticipated salary range for the position of Director is $216,000-237,000. 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. Synthekine is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states. We comply with all state, federal and local laws regarding pay practices.
Synthekine requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated prior to the first date of employment (subject to any legally required exemptions).
Synthekine is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
