AcelaBio - Director, Translational Sciences

Alimentiv • San Diego, CA

4d • $160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Director of Translational Sciences is a member of AcelaBio’s expanded leadership team and provides scientific leadership and oversight for Scientific Operations, including assay development, digital image analysis, and bioinformatics supporting global clinical studies and R&D. The role develops and executes strategies to expand scientific services and improve delivery quality through the design, development, validation, and operationalization of assays, image analysis pipelines, and computational tools. It is accountable for scientific rigor, reproducibility, quality, regulatory compliance, and financially sustainable delivery. The Director oversees day-to-day technical activities and staff while remaining directly engaged in complex technical work.

The role leads scientific policy and process development, quality and compliance monitoring, staffing and resource planning, staff development and performance management, and scientific support for project and unit teams working with sponsors and clients. AcelaBio is restructuring to establish corporate operational independence from its sister organization, Alimentiv, and is seeking experienced talent who have navigated corporate transitions, restructuring, or startup scaling. The position offers the opportunity to shape the independent business’s systems, compliance, culture, and strategy.

The Director oversees commercial and R&D scientific operations; leads assay, image analysis, and computational tool development; and performs hands-on work on complex projects. The role builds and mentors scientific teams, collaborates across laboratory, project operations, and business development functions, and serves as a senior scientific contact for clients. It also contributes to organizational strategy, budget management, business development, and compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in pathology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10 or more years of experience in assay development, digital pathology/image analysis, and/or bioinformatics within a CRO, biopharma, or regulated research environment.
• Proven scientific and strategic leadership, including a record of translating vision into innovative, scalable solutions and business impact.
• Deep technical expertise in one or more of immunostaining/IHC, multiplex IF, ISH, spatial biology, digital image analysis, and bioinformatics, with the ability to remain hands-on in complex scientific work.
• Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing scientific or technical teams in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Strong client-facing skills, including communicating complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders and building trusted partnerships.
• Working knowledge of assay validation requirements and regulatory frameworks, including GxP and clinical research standards.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate across scientific, laboratory, operational, and commercial teams.
• Experience navigating corporate transitions, restructuring, or startup scaling is sought for AcelaBio’s planned restructuring and operational independence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain oversight of scientific operations for assay development, digital image analysis, and bioinformatics across commercial and R&D programs, aligned with organizational strategies and client needs.
• Lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of immunostaining assays, including multiplex IHC/IF, ISH, and spatial biology assays, as well as image analysis pipelines and computational/bioinformatics tools.
• Drive innovation initiatives to expand and differentiate AcelaBio’s scientific service portfolio.
• Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and regulatory alignment, including GxP and CAP/CLIA, across commercial project and R&D activities.
• Perform hands-on assay development, including designing, optimizing, and validating IHC, multiplex IF, ISH, and spatial biology assays for novel or complex projects.
• Directly develop and validate image analysis algorithms and pipelines for priority programs while overseeing the broader team’s development work.
• Serve as lead scientist on selected sponsor projects and take direct technical ownership of assay and image analysis deliverables as needed.
• Build, lead, and mentor scientists and technical staff in assay development, image analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Manage staffing, resource planning, performance management, and professional development for direct reports.
• Foster collaboration between Scientific Operations, Laboratory, Project Operations, and Business Development teams to support delivery of scientific services.
• Promote a high-performing, collaborative scientific culture through role modeling and mentorship.
• Maintain high-quality client relationships throughout the project life cycle.
• Serve as the senior scientific point of contact for sponsors, act as an escalation point, and support troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Represent AcelaBio’s scientific capabilities at client meetings, industry conferences, and scientific forums as required.
• Support business development through RFP responses, scientific proposal development, and bid defense activities.
• Review and approve analysis plans, validation reports, study reports, and technical/scientific documentation.
• Participate in departmental and organizational strategic planning as a leadership team member.
• Develop and manage the Scientific Operations budget in coordination with the Executive Team.
• Monitor industry trends, the competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to inform capability development.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory requirements across scientific deliverables.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health package for full-time, permanent employees, including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) matching program.
• Time off based on experience, up to 20 days for new employees, plus up to 5 sick days per year and 2 personal days per year.
• Cash-based employee referral program.
• Flexible-working policies.
• Bonus eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree