Head of Translational Development

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation's vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations ("CI") is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.Head of Translational DevelopmentReporting to the Founder and CEO, we are seeking a Head of Translational Development to lead and drive D2B3's preclinical and early clinical development strategy. The Head of Translational Development will oversee the progression of our lead antibody program through IND-enabling studies, CMC development, and into first-in-human trials. The ideal candidate is an experienced drug developer with a proven track record of bringing monoclonal antibody (mAb) programs from discovery to the clinic and is eager to be part of a hands-on, fast-moving start-up environment.About D2B3D2B3, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing a breakthrough platform to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enable more effective delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS). Our proprietary antibody technology transiently relaxes the BBB to allow small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and small proteins to reach the brain without conjugation or chemical modification. Having demonstrated in vivo proof-of concept and oligonucleotide delivery efficacy equivalent to intrathecal injections, we are advancing toward IND-enabling studies and clinical translation.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the overall development strategy for D2B3's therapeutic programs, from candidate selection through IND submission and early clinical phases.Oversee preclinical development, including pharmacology, toxicology, and translational strategy.Direct and coordinate CMC activities, including cell line development, process optimization, analytical characterization, and GMP manufacturing in collaboration with CDMOs.Serve as the primary scientific and operational leader for IND-enabling studies, ensuring regulatory readiness and quality documentation for FDA submission.Support collaboration efforts by engaging with partners to assist with strategic alliance formation and contribute towards the execution of development activities.Collaborate closely with the CEO and scientific team to shape program strategy, development timelines, and regulatory interactions.Build and manage relationships with external partners, KOLs, CROs, and CDMOs; negotiate contracts and oversee performance.Support company growth by helping establish a high-performing development organization and contributing to team culture, operations, and strategic direction.Represent D2B3 at scientific and investor meetings as needed.QualificationsPh.D., Pharm.D., or M.D. in a relevant life science discipline (e.g., immunology, pharmacology, neuroscience, biochemistry).10+ years of industry experience in biologics development, with direct experience advancing monoclonal antibody therapeutics from discovery to IND submission.Demonstrated success in leading or contributing to multiple IND filings.Strong understanding of preclinical development, ADME/PK, and translational strategy.Experience with CMC and biologics manufacturing; ability to guide technical discussions and negotiate effectively with CDMOs.Familiarity with BBB-crossing technologies, ASOs, or CNS drug development is highly desirable.Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to be hands-on in an early-stage environment.Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills; proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented setting.Why Join D2B3 Now?Transform CNS drug delivery across CNS disease. Join D2B3 to develop a first-in-class platform that transiently modulates the BBB, unlocking systemic delivery for multiple CNS therapeutic modalities, creating broad partnering and pipeline opportunities.Clear technological differentiation. Unlike receptor-mediated shuttles or conjugation-based approaches, D2B3's antibody platform transiently relaxes the BBB and enables delivery of diverse modalities – including oligonucleotides, peptides, and small proteins – without modifying the therapeutic cargo.Strong in vivo validation. This is your chance to bring to patients a platform with demonstrated robust proof-of-concept in rodents, and NHPs and pathway derisking in humans.Build the translational engine. As Head of Translational Development, you will define and execute the translational roadmap – from NHP efficacy, toxicology through biomarker strategy and IND-enabling studies.High-impact leadership role. Work closely with the CEO and scientific leadership across a flat hierarchy to shape development strategy and guide the first clinical programs emerging from the platform.Shape the company as an early leader. Join at an early stage with the opportunity to help build the translational organization and actively shape the company's culture, scientific rigor, and operating principles.World-class advisors. D2B3 benefits from guidance by leading biotech entrepreneurs and neuroscientists, including highly successful serial entrepreneurs like Nessan Bermingham and Franz HeftiConnecticut Innovations and its portfolio companies are equal opportunity employers. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.J-18808-Ljbffr