Head of Translational Science

Head of Translational Science – RNA-targeting Therapeutics

Rage Bio – Where Science Drives Hope

On-site in Australia preferred, but will consider overseas applicants, especially West Coast US | Full-time

Location: Jumar Bioincubator, Melbourne, Australia (or overseas)

Salary Range: Depending on experience.

Join a Company at the Forefront of RNA-targeting Therapeutics

At Rage Bio, we believe in creating possibilities. Guided by innovation and purpose, we advance cutting-edge science to deliver therapies that positively transform lives.

Our mission is clear: champion patients, push the boundaries of what's possible, and turn discovery into life-improving treatments.

Rage Bio is entering a transformative phase, having just secured AU$29 million in Series A funding ) to advance our lead program, RB042, into first-in-human clinical trials, and to accelerate our pipeline of precision splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) therapeutics to tackle chronic inflammatory diseases.

Rage Bio is built on pioneering science, a world-class team, and a commitment to delivering life-changing medicines. Our lead asset, RB042, is an inhaled SSO therapy that targets the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE), converting RAGE from its harmful, pro-inflammatory form to its protective, anti-inflammatory form. This offers a precision medicine approach for COPD and other inflammatory lung diseases, conditions affecting millions worldwide.

This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly growing biotech at a pivotal moment, working alongside leaders in the field and contributing directly to programs with the potential for global impact.

The Opportunity

As a fiercely innovative and entrepreneurial Translational Science Head at Rage Bio, you'll be part of a mission-driven team developing next-generation oligonucleotide-based medicines that could positively transform patient care.

You will oversee translational strategy and biomarker planning, guide preclinical to clinical translation, develop toxicology bridging strategies, set translational endpoints in trials, and implement proteomics and multi-omics approaches to identify responders. You'll collaborate with scientists, clinicians, academic partners, KOLs, and regulatory agencies, contributing to key decisions for our development pipeline.

This is your chance to make a real impact advancing a pipeline that pushes the boundaries of science and shapes the future of RNA-targeting therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

Define and execute the translational roadmap linking preclinical data to human disease.

• Develop a biomarker strategy for our clinical programs, both Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic

Preclinical–Clinical Translation

• Lead design of toxicology bridging strategy for inhaled oligonucleotides
• Guide dose selection for FIH studies using PK/PD modeling, tissue distribution, and exposure–response relationships.
• Integrate inhalation device science (aerosol characteristics, lung deposition studies).

Clinical Trial Enablement

• Define translational endpoints in early-phase respiratory trials
• Early efficacy surrogates (symptom scales, CAT, EXACT, FEV₁ dynamics).
• Develop and validate fit-for-purpose assays (qPCR, immunoassays, transcriptomics, proteomics).
• Ensure sample collection protocols are optimized for biomarker readouts (BAL, induced sputum, nasal vs bronchial sampling).

Data Science & Modeling

• Build PK/PD and exposure–response models to inform dose justification.
• Lead integration of multi-omics data with clinical endpoints to identify responder subgroups.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Preclinical team (toxicology, pharmacology), Clinical development (trial design, endpoints), CMC/device (inhalation formulation performance), Regulatory (translational justification packages for IND/CTA).
• Drive scientific narrative for investors, KOLs, and regulators.

External Engagement

• Build collaborations with academic centers, consortia, and CROs for advanced biomarker and translational tools.
• Engage KOLs in COPD and inhaled therapeutics for advice and credibility.
• Contribute to scientific publications and congress presentations to position the company as a leader in inhaled oligonucleotides.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• PhD or equivalent in Translational Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related fields, with solid drug development experience.
• Proven strategic leadership in translational science, cross-functional collaboration, and external partnership management.
• 8 years or more of direct drug development experience, including regulatory submissions and agency meetings.
• Leadership experience overseeing cross functional teams and vendors.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

Desirable

• Highly proficient in RNA therapeutics and ideally prior experience in respiratory drug development.
• Experience in supporting indication selection for new medicines.
• Experience in multi-omics strategy setting, for translational and clinical studies.

Our Ideal Candidate

You're driven by curiosity and energized by solving complex challenges. Innovation excites you, and you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new opportunities to learn and make an impact.

You're a natural collaborator who values integrity and scientific rigor, but you're also adaptable and ready to pivot and find solutions when the unexpected happens. If you're passionate about pushing boundaries and shaping the future of RNA-targeting therapeutics, we want you on our team.

What We Offer

• The chance to contribute to the discovery and development of novel, game-changing SSO therapeutics that can improve the lives of patients worldwide.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture, working alongside some of the most experienced leaders in biotech.
• The opportunity to join a company in a phase of rapid growth, with strong investor backing and a clear path to clinical impact.
• Career-boosting industry experience in the revolutionary field of RNA-targeting therapeutics.
• Location in a world-class biotech and translational medical research hub.
• Salary Range: TBD plus superannuation, depending on experience.

Hiring Manager

Dr Ed Tucker, Chief Medical and Development Officer