Scientific Director | tRNA Biotherapeutics at CAREERS AT NLC. . Location: Europe Remote (Preferred Germany or Netherlands). Scientific Director – tRNA Biotherapeutics. . Company Overview. . XtRNA Bio. is a pioneering biotechnology company developing a proprietary tRNA therapeutic platform for underserved patients with rare genetic diseases and high unmet medical needs. XtRNA Bio is advancing a novel approach to correct translational defects at their root, from discovery through to the clinic — with a focus on meaningful, durable benefit for patients who currently have no options.. . XtRNA's proprietary engineering capability enables both elevation and suppression therapy, delivered via synthetic and vectorized formats — giving us access to a broad and expanding universe of treatable diseases.. . . Role Summary. . We are seeking an experienced and visionary . Scientific . Director. to lead and shape XtRNA Bio’s scientific strategy and translational research programs.. . This role sits at the interface of . discovery, preclinical development, and company strategy. , working closely with the CEO and broader leadership team. You will drive the advancement of our tRNA platform from proof-of-concept toward IND-enabling studies and early clinical readiness.. . The position is primarily remote, with frequent travel to our scientific partners (Radboud University, The Netherlands; Hamburg University, Germany), and flexibility for strategic collaboration across the world.. . Location: . Remote (Preferred Europe). Commitment: . 80% (approximately) . Compensation: . Primarily equity-based, modest base salary until fundraising.. . . Key Responsibilities. . Scientific Leadership & Strategy. . . Define and execute the . scientific vision and R&D roadmap. aligned with company milestones (preclinical → IND → clinical entry). . Lead the development of XtRNA Bio’s . dual tRNA platform. (elevation and suppression modalities). . Translate cutting-edge RNA biology into . therapeutic strategies with clinical relevance. . . Program Leadership. . . . Oversee . lead . preclinical . programs in . focus indications. . (tRNA elevation in neuromuscular diseases. , particularly CMT2D, and tRNA suppression in respiratory diseases, particularly CF). . . . Guide optimization of . AAV-tRNA constructs. , including vector design, capsid selection, and delivery strategies. . . . Drive development of synthetic tRNA delivery systems to the respiratory tract. . . Supervise . in vivo and in vitro studies. , including rodent and NHP models, biomarker development, and functional endpoints. . Drive . IND-enabling studies. , including biodistribution, toxicology, and dose-finding. . . Platform Expansion. . . . Identify and characterize potential clinical applications of the XtRNA platform. . . . Further develop and optimize our delivery modalities. . . . Engage with relevant academic partners for PoC studies. . . . Develop and nurture a dedicated Scientific Advisory Board . . . . Cross-Functional Collaboration. . . Partner with teams in:. . . CMC and vector manufacturing. . Regulatory and clinical strategy. . Intellectual property and business development. . . Align scientific execution with . fundraising, partnerships, and corporate milestones. . . Leadership. . . . Establish a culture of . scientific excellence, rigor, and innovation. . . . Interface with external collaborators, KOLs, and Scientific Advisory Board members. . . . On the long-term, build, mentor, and inspire a . high-performing multidisciplinary R&D team. . . . External Representation. . . Present scientific progress to . investors, partners, and scientific conferences. . Contribute to . publications, patents, and company visibility. . . . Qualifications. . Education & Experience. . . PhD (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, or related field. . . 8–12+ years of experience in early-stage biotech/pharma, with . progressive scientific leadership roles. . . Strong expertise in:. . . RNA biology and/or translation mechanisms. . Gene therapy, particularly AAV-based delivery. . Neuromuscular or rare genetic diseases. . . . Technical Expertise. . . Proven experience with:. . . . AAV vector design, delivery, and analytics. . . . LNP delivery modalities. . . Preclinical models (rodent; NHP experience is a plus). . Molecular and cellular assays (RNA-seq, qPCR, histology, biomarkers). . . Track record advancing programs toward . IND-enabling stages. . . Leadership & Impact. . . Demonstrated ability to:. . . Translate early science into . therapeutic development pipelines. . . Lead cross-functional collaborations in a . startup or high-growth environment. . . Contribute to . strategy, fundraising, and partnerships. . . . Additional Strengths. . . Entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on execution. . Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. . Experience in . rare diseases or platform-based therapeutics. is highly preferred. . . . Why Join XtRNA Bio?. . . Pioneer a new therapeutic modality. : tRNA-based medicine. . Work on a . platform with broad applicability. , shifting from “one gene–one drug” to “one mechanism–many diseases.”. . Directly shape a company advancing toward . first-in-human studies. . Collaborate with leading scientists and experienced biotech entrepreneurs. . Play a central role in delivering . transformative therapies for patients with unmet needs. . . . Role Evolution. . This role is designed to grow into a . Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). or equivalent executive leadership position as the company scales.
Scientific Director | tRNA Biotherapeutics at CAREERS AT NLC