Senior Director, Translational Research

Verastem Oncology

. Lead the development and execution of biomarker and pharmacodynamic strategies for Verastem clinical studies .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeNeedham • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $210,000 - $265,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in biomarker and pharmacodynamic strategies for oncology clinical studies, with a strong foundation in cancer biology and translational research methodologies. Proven ability to analyze complex biological datasets and communicate findings effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Cancer BiologyBiomarker ResearchTranslational ResearchProject ManagementScientific Communication

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Oncogenic Signaling PathwaysTumor DependenciesPharmacodynamic AnalysesHypothesis-Driven ResearchData AnalysisClinical Biospecimen WorkflowsBiomarker AssaysBioinformaticsTranslational Hypotheses GenerationRegulatory Submissions

Soft Skills

CollaborationOrganizational SkillsCommunication Skills

Industry Keywords

Clinical StudiesPharmacodynamicsBiotechnologyCancer ResearchExternal Vendors

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development and execution of biomarker and pharmacodynamic strategies for Verastem clinical studies
Collaborate with preclinical research colleagues to design and execute translational studies using in vitro and in vivo models
Inform indication selection, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, patient-selection strategies, and rational drug combinations
Analyze, interpret, and present clinical and translational biomarker data to identify biological insights and support clinical development decisions
Integrate biomarker findings with clinical, molecular, and preclinical data to generate and evaluate translational hypotheses
Oversee external vendors responsible for biospecimen storage, biomarker assays, bioinformatics analyses, and associated databases
Review scientific literature, emerging datasets, and the competitive landscape, and participate in relevant scientific conferences
Contribute to regulatory submissions, study reports, manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and scientific presentations
Communicate findings and coordinate activities across cross-functional teams and external research partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related discipline, with at least 12 years of relevant industry research experience in oncology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong understanding of cancer biology, oncogenic signaling pathways, tumor dependencies, and mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance
Experience with biomarker research, pharmacodynamic analyses, and/or translational research supporting oncology drug development is highly desirable
Familiarity with clinical biospecimen workflows and external biomarker vendors is preferred
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, analyze, and interpret hypothesis-driven translational research
Experience analyzing and interpreting complex biological datasets and translating results into actionable hypotheses
Excellent written, verbal, and scientific communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to multidisciplinary audiences
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of cross-functional teams and with external partners
Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative biotechnology environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility
Equity compensation
Competitive benefits package