AcelaBio - Director, Translational Sciences

Alimentiv • San Diego, CA

3d

About The Position

The Director of Translational Sciences is a scientific leader overseeing AcelaBio’s Scientific Operations function, including assay development, digital image analysis, and bioinformatics supporting global clinical studies and R&D. The role develops strategies to expand scientific services and improve delivery quality through novel assays, image analysis pipelines, and computational tools, while ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.

The Director oversees day-to-day technical activities, manages and develops scientific staff, and provides scientific expertise to project and unit teams and sponsors throughout the project life cycle. The position combines department leadership with hands-on technical work, including complex assay development and validation, image-analysis algorithm and pipeline development, and direct scientific ownership of selected sponsor projects. The Director also contributes to client engagement, business development, organizational strategy, and budget management.

AcelaBio is restructuring to establish corporate operations independent of its sister organization, Alimentiv. The company seeks experienced talent who have worked through corporate transitions, restructuring, carve-outs, separations, or startup scaling and can help shape how a growing business operates independently.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in pathology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 10 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, carve-outs, separations, or startup scaling is sought in connection with AcelaBio’s planned restructuring.

Responsibilities

• Maintain oversight of scientific operations for assay development, digital image analysis, and bioinformatics across commercial and R&D programs, aligning work 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 that 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, optimization, and validation, particularly for novel or high-complexity 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, taking direct technical ownership of assay and image-analysis deliverables as needed.
• Build, lead, and mentor a team supporting assay development, image analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Manage staffing, resource planning, performance management, and professional development for direct reports.
• Collaborate with Laboratory, Project Operations, and Business Development teams to support seamless scientific service delivery.
• Promote a high-performing, collaborative scientific culture through role modeling and mentorship.
• Foster high-quality client relationships throughout the project life cycle; serve as a senior scientific contact and 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 and scientific documentation.
• Participate in departmental and organizational strategic planning as a member of the leadership team.
• 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.
• Generous time off based on experience, up to 20 days for new employees.
• Up to 5 sick days per year in addition to PTO.
• 2 personal days per year.
• Cash-based employee referral program.
• Flexible-working policies.
• Bonus eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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