Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy and Operations

Overview

Associate Director / Director, Research Strategy and Operations role at Septerna, a biotechnology company focused on GPCR-focused drug discovery. The role supports shaping Septerna’s discovery portfolio and external innovation strategy, driving strategic assessment of new product opportunities, enabling access to complementary innovations, and operationalizing research partnerships to accelerate GPCR science into breakthrough medicines. This is a cross-functional position partnering with scientific, business development, and leadership teams to identify high-impact opportunities in a fast-paced environment.

For more information see : www.septerna.com.

The Role

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Septerna’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

Partner with platform technology and screening teams to identify and secure new tools, capabilities, or assets that enhance discovery efficiency and innovation (e.g., screening libraries, data platforms, or computational tools).

Support execution of BD activities including outreach, evaluation, negotiation support, and relationship management with external vendors or collaborators.

Alliance Management

Serve as the operational and strategic point of contact for ongoing research partnerships with large pharma collaborators

Facilitate joint steering committee meetings, ensure milestones are met, and drive effective cross-organizational communication.

Monitor budgets, identify risks, and propose course corrections as needed.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry) is required

5–10 years of experience in biotech, pharma, and life sciences venture investing / venture creation, ideally spanning research strategy and business development. Experience working in a startup or high-growth company strongly preferred.

Deep understanding of small molecule drug development processes across discovery, clinical, and regulatory stages. Specific familiarity with GPCR biology and pharmacology is a plus.

Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific and commercial potential of early-stage programs and external assets.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex scientific and strategic information for executive decision-making.

Highly organized and proactive, comfortable operating in a dynamic startup environment.

Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills. Comfortable interfacing with executive leadership and external stakeholders. Proven ability to influence without direct authority.

Highly collaborative, possess a track record of building and maintaining cross- functional relationships, and able to communicate effectively with senior management and across cultures.

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.

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