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Associate Director/Director, Research Strategy and Operations
Associate Director/Director, Research Strategy and OperationsSepterna • San Francisco, CA, United States
Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy and Operations

Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy and Operations

Septerna • San Francisco, CA, United States
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Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life-changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused drug discovery company. The company’s Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date.

We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease-modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast-paced environment.

For more information see : www.septerna.com.

THE ROLE

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Septena’s discovery portfolio and external innovation strategy. In this highly cross-functional role, you will drive strategic assessment of new product opportunities, enable access to complementary innovations, and operationalize research partnerships that accelerate our mission to transform cutting-edge GPCR science into breakthrough medicines. Working closely with our scientific, business development, and leadership teams, you will combine scientific rigor with strategic insight to identify high-impact opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically grounded generalist who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Planning

  • Identify, source, and evaluate new therapeutic program opportunities aligned with the company’s GPCR-focused drug discovery strategy.
  • Conduct scientific and strategic diligence on novel internal program ideas and external in-licensing or collaboration opportunities.
  • Coordinate cross-functional input from biology, chemistry, and translational science teams to assess feasibility and differentiation.
  • Develop investment cases and recommendations for advancing or deprioritizing opportunities
  • Track the early research portfolio progress and maintain visibility across the organization

Business Development & External Innovation

  • Partner with platform technology and screening teams to identify and secure new tools, capabilities, or assets that enhance discovery efficiency and innovation (e.g., screening libraries, data platforms, or computational tools).
  • Support execution of BD activities including outreach, evaluation, negotiation support, and relationship management with external vendors or collaborators.

    • Alliance Management

  • Serve as the operational and strategic point of contact for ongoing research partnerships with large pharma collaborators
  • Facilitate joint steering committee meetings, ensure milestones are met, and drive effective cross-organizational communication.
  • Monitor budgets, identify risks, and propose course corrections as needed.

    • REQUIREMENTS

  • Advanced degree in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry) is required
  • 5–10 years of experience in biotech, pharma, and life sciences venture investing / venture creation, ideally spanning research strategy and business development. Experience working in a startup or high-growth company strongly preferred.
  • Deep understanding of small molecule drug development processes across discovery, clinical, and regulatory stages. Specific familiarity with GPCR biology and pharmacology is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific and commercial potential of early-stage programs and external assets.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex scientific and strategic information for executive decision-making.
  • Highly organized and proactive, comfortable operating in a dynamic startup environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills. Comfortable interfacing with executive leadership and external stakeholders. Proven ability to influence without direct authority.
  • Highly collaborative, possess a track record of building and maintaining cross- functional relationships, and able to communicate effectively with senior management and across cultures.

    • The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $185,000 - $250,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and annual target bonus for full-time positions.

    We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

    Septerna participates in the E-Verify program.

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    Research Associate • San Francisco, CA, United States