Translational Biologist

Company: Retro Biosciences
Location: Redwood City
Posted on: July 12, 2025

Job Description:

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan. We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility. Our autophagy program is advancing rapidly and achieving key milestones. As one of the most exciting initiatives at Retro, it’s leading the charge in translating our science into a first-in-human clinical trial, marking a major step toward delivering transformative therapies rooted in the biology of aging. We are seeking a new member to join our team to ensure that laboratory research effectively translates into therapeutic strategies. You will play a key role in bridging basic scientific discoveries and their clinical applications. You will contribute to advancing our understanding of autophagy regulation and its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. You will report directly to the program leader and Head of Early Drug Development. About you: You share our sense of urgency and excitement, and thrive in fast-paced, interdisciplinary environments. You work well independently but will also enjoy a cross-functional role working with multiple therapeutic programs. You are excited to work on, and solve, hard problems and ultimately help extend healthy human lifespan! In this role you will: Lead and execute research projects that connect preclinical findings with clinical outcomes. Develop and conduct in vitro experiments, and design in vivo studies to investigate disease pathways and assess the pharmacological profiles of potential therapeutics. Support biofluid-based (plasma, CSF) biomarker readouts that inform mechanism of action or patient response models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Implement biomarker analysis in clinical laboratory studies under regulatory guidelines. Develop PD biomarkers(i.e. qPCR, FACS, ELISA, MSD, Luminex, Simoa, enzyme assays). Lead tech transfer to and manage work with CROs. Collaborate with teams in molecular biology, clinical research, and regulatory affairs to ensure cohesive progression of drug candidates through the development pipeline. Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submissions by providing scientific data and insights to support regulatory submissions. Analyze preclinical biomarkers in models of neurodegenerative diseases. You might thrive in this role if you have: Ph.D. in Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline with a focus on translational research with minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in translational research within academic or industry settings. Proficiency in independently designing and conducting laboratory experiments, with expertise in data analysis tools and methodologies. Experience with CRO management and tech transfer. Proven ability to effectively convey research findings, verbally and in writing. A collaborative mindset and experience working within interdisciplinary teams. A track record of tackling complex scientific questions and contributing to innovative solutions in drug development. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills. A proactive, problem-solving approach and the ability to identify risks early and implement solutions effectively. It’s a bonus if you have: Familiarity with regulatory guidelines pertinent to drug development and translational research. Experience in neurodegenerative diseases or Alzheimer's Disease clinical trials. $130,000 - $160,000 a year Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family 401(k) plan with 4% matching Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year Paid parental leave Annual learning & development stipend Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.

Keywords: Retro Biosciences, Watsonville , Translational Biologist, Science, Research & Development , Redwood City, California