New

Director, Clinical Sciences

South San Francisco, California, United States

 

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.

For more information see: www.septerna.com.

About the Role

Septerna is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Director of Clinical Sciences to provide scientific and operational leadership across our early clinical development programs. This individual will play a critical role in the design, execution, and interpretation of clinical studies, working cross-functionally to ensure high-quality, decision-ready data that advances our pipeline.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in clinical development, a strong scientific foundation, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced biotech environment. This position will work closely with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Early Development, Biometrics, and Program Management functions and will report to the Senior Medical Director, Clinical Development.

Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the design, planning, and execution of early-phase clinical trials (Phase 1 and Phase 2), including protocol development and study-related documents.
  • Drive development of key study documents including protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports (CSRs), and informed consent forms.
  • Collaborate with Clinical Operations to ensure effective study execution, including site selection, enrollment strategies, and timeline management.
  • Partner with multi-disciplinary team to define endpoints, biomarkers, and data analysis plans that enable clear interpretation of study results.
  • Contribute to clinical development plans, including indication strategy, study design, and dose selection.
  • Analyze and interpret clinical data; present findings to internal stakeholders and support decision-making at governance forums.
  • Support regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs/CTAs, briefing documents) and participate in health authority interactions as needed.
  • Identify clinical and operational risks and work proactively with cross-functional teams to develop mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure clinical studies are conducted in compliance with GCP and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to building scalable Clinical Sciences processes and capabilities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD) strongly preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in Clinical Sciences, Clinical Development, or a related function within the biopharmaceutical industry.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading early-phase clinical trials (Phase 1/2), including protocol development and data interpretation.
  • Strong understanding of clinical drug development, including study design, endpoints, and regulatory considerations.
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams, with the ability to influence without authority.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear insights.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to data quality and scientific rigor.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • Collaborative, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset with a passion for advancing innovative therapies.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $235,000 - $260,000. 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.

 

 
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.  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.  Septerna participates in the E-Verify program.  California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice For Job Applicants.  If you are a California resident, click here for our CCPA Notice.

 

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