Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy and Operations

Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy And Operations

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life-changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused drug discovery company. The company's Native Complex Platform recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date.

We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease-modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast-paced environment.

The Role

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Septena's discovery portfolio and external innovation strategy. In this highly cross-functional role, you will drive strategic assessment of new product opportunities, enable access to complementary innovations, and operationalize research partnerships that accelerate our mission to transform cutting-edge GPCR science into breakthrough medicines. Working closely with our scientific, business development, and leadership teams, you will combine scientific rigor with strategic insight to identify high-impact opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically grounded generalist who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

New Product Planning

• Identify, source, and evaluate new therapeutic program opportunities aligned with the company's GPCR-focused drug discovery strategy.
• Conduct scientific and strategic diligence on novel internal program ideas and external in-licensing or collaboration opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional input from biology, chemistry, and translational science teams to assess feasibility and differentiation.
• Develop investment cases and recommendations for advancing or deprioritizing opportunities
• Track the early research portfolio progress and maintain visibility across the organization

Business Development & External Innovation

Alliance Management

Requirements

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $185,000 - $250,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and annual target bonus for full-time positions.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Note to Employment Agencies : Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.