Director of Translational Science

Valius overviewValius is building the next generation of precision oncology, helping cancer patients and their physicians make more informed treatment decisions through comprehensive molecular testing and rigorous scientific analysis. In our first nine months, we’ve worked with close to 50 patients, identifying plausible therapeutic targets in the vast majority of cases. We’ve just raised a $10M seed round, led by 8VC and Basis Set Ventures, and are looking for folks passionate about changing cancer care to join our growing team.Director of Translational Science roleWe’re hiring a Director of Translational Science to work directly with our patients and their care teams to translate complex molecular profile data into clear, evidence-based treatment options. This is a non-traditional translational science role: you’ll operate at the intersection of oncology, molecular genomics, and clinical evidence interpretation, delivering scientifically rigorous, clinically grounded, and compassionate guidance to patients. You’ll also have the opportunity to supervise one or more translational science team members.You may come from a variety of backgrounds, but you should have:Strong oncology fluency across modalities and tumor typesA deep understanding of the oncology therapeutic landscapeExpert ability to interpret clinical trial evidence and apply it to real-world patient contextsExceptional communication skills with patients, clinicians, and scientists across disciplinesThis is an in-person role in San Francisco or Boston.What you’ll doDevelop treatment strategies: Prioritize SOC, trials, and other therapeutic options (including off-label/expanded access when appropriate) based on patient molecular data and clinical evidenceInterpret evidence with rigor: Synthesize trial data, biomarker subgroup performance, and real-world feasibility to evaluate therapeutic optionsCommunicate with patients: Present findings directly to patients and their care teams, answer their questions, and help them think through next stepsPartner with computational biology: Work with our computational biologists to integrate and synthesize patient molecular data (variants, expression, scRNAseq, IHC/mIF as relevant)Coach team members: Oversee one or more supervisees, providing regular coaching and partnership to ensure that they deliver expert, accurate analysis to our patientsContribute to internal knowledge bases: Draft therapy/biomarker evidence summaries, indication briefs, trial digests, and interpretation playbooks for use by the scientific teamHelp guide R&D efforts: Work with scientific, engineering, and product teams to help develop Valius’s scientific offeringWhat you’ll bringAdvanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (with substantial oncology experience). An exceptional fit may be considered even in the absence of an advanced degreeDeep understanding of oncology therapeutics (targeted therapy, immuno-oncology, ADCs, resistance, sequencing, tumor-type nuance)Demonstrated strength interpreting clinical trial evidence and explaining clinical relevance (including biomarker subgroups)Experience presenting complex information to patients confidently, clearly, and empatheticallyAbility to reason from molecular data to therapy hypotheses while respecting evidence strength, contraindications, and real-world practice patternsExcellent written and verbal communicationComfort working in a high-stakes, client-facing settingComfort working with ambiguity and evolving evidence in fast-moving therapeutic areasCommitment to our patient-focused missionInterest in working for a small, early-stage startupWhat we’ll bringCompetitive salary and equity compensationGenerous refresh grantsComprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k))Genuine investment in your professional developmentFun, mission-driven team culture