Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Nonclinical

Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, this role leads DMPK strategy and oversees bioanalytical work across nonclinical and clinical programs, operating as a hands-on scientific leader. We are looking for an accomplished DMPK scientist with experience in PK and PK-PD study design, PK data analysis and interpretation, and translational biomarker strategy. This person will support pharmacology and nonclinical toxicology programs, providing broader context across the nonclinical development portfolio. The ideal candidate brings deep scientific expertise and a hands-on approach and thrives in the fast-paced environment of a clinical-stage biotech where both scientific and strategic contributions are expected.

Responsibilities

Lead DMPK strategy and oversee bioanalytical work across nonclinical and clinical programs, including PK, biomarker, and translational PD readouts

Oversee development, qualification, and validation of nonclinical and clinical bioanalytical assays (GLP/GCP-compliant as required), as well as sample analysis, working with internal and CRO analytical scientists

Design, execute, and oversee PK and PK-PD studies of tRNAs to evaluate delivery technologies (LNP and others), biodistribution, and biomarker effects

Lead PK and PK-PD data analysis and interpretation across mouse, rat, NHP, and human studies to support dose selection

Manage and qualify CRO and external lab partners across bioanalytical and PK programs

Support nonclinical toxicology programs in collaboration with internal teams and CROs

Analyze, interpret, and present DMPK and translational biomarker data to internal leadership and external stakeholders

Author nonclinical sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND) and briefing documents; support agency interactions and responses

Serve on the Research Leadership Team; represent DMPK and bioanalytical sciences in cross-functional program discussions

Manage and develop direct report(s); collaborate with the broader pharmacology team

Required Qualifications

PhD or equivalent in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, or related field

8+ years of industry experience in DMPK or a closely related function

Working knowledge of bioanalytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, ligand binding assays, NGS) sufficient to oversee their development, qualification, and validation and the associated sample analysis in nonclinical and clinical contexts

Demonstrated CRO oversight - vendor qualification, study monitoring, data review

Experience designing and overseeing in vivo nonclinical PK and PK-PD studies for novel delivery modalities; LNP experience preferred

Hands-on experience with PK and PK-PD data analysis (e.g., noncompartmental analysis) and associated software (e.g., Phoenix WinNonlin), applied to the design and interpretation of nonclinical and clinical studies

Experience in translational or clinical biomarker development, including assay strategy and fit-for-purpose qualification

Strong scientific writing skills - regulatory documents (e.g., IND nonclinical sections) and internal study reports

Experience supervising and developing scientists

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in rare disease or genetic medicine

Experience with RNA-based therapies

Familiarity with LNP platform biology and delivery landscape

Familiarity with GLP toxicology study design and ICH nonclinical guidelines

Experience operating in a cross-functional leadership role at a clinical-stage biotech

Experience with ligand binding assays and multiplex immunoassay platforms (e.g., MSD, Luminex) for cytokine, immunogenicity, and biomarker analysis

About Alltrna

Alltrna is the first clinical-stage biotech company advancing tRNA medicines to address shared disease-causing mutations across many indications. The company’s initial therapeutic programs are designed to restore full-length protein production in diseases caused by premature termination codons (PTCs), collectively referred to as Stop Codon Disease, which affects approximately 10% of people with a rare genetic disease. Alltrna’s lead program, AP003, is a chemically modified, engineered tRNA oligonucleotide encapsulated in a clinically validated, liver-directed lipid nanoparticle. AP003 is being developed for the arginine-to-TGA (Arg-TGA) PTC in patients with liver Stop Codon Disease, including phenylketonuria, organic acidemias, and urea cycle disorders. Founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering, Alltrna has built an integrated platform to design, optimize, and deliver engineered tRNA therapeutics.

For more information, visit www.alltrna.com

The salary range for this role is $81,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Alltrna currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Alltrna's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

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