Job Description

About Firefly Bio:

Who We Are At Firefly Bio, our mission is to redefine cancer treatment. We are developing a new class of therapeutics called Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs), which combine the precision of antibodies with the power of selective protein degraders. Our goal is to unlock new classes of payloads and deliver transformative medicines to patients. Our team operates with Focus, Integrity, Respect, and Energy.

Position Summary

The Senior / Executive Director, Translational Biology will provide the critical scientific and strategic leadership required to bridge Firefly Bio’s innovative pipeline from late-stage discovery into clinical development. This leader will be responsible for designing and executing the translational strategy for our Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs), with a focus on biomarker development, patient selection strategies, and defining the data package for IND-enabling studies. They will build and guide a team dedicated to understanding the clinical potential of our molecules, ensuring each program is rigorously de-risked and positioned for success in future clinical trials.

The position is on-site and requires active engagement in leading and mentoring a team of biologists.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Integrated Drug Discovery Programs: Lead drug discovery programs from early discovery through IND-enabling studies, ensuring integration of biology, chemistry, and translational science
• Guide Translational & Biomarker Strategy: Lead functional characterization, translational planning, biomarker strategies, and support of IND filings
• Build and Mentor a High-Performing Team: Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of scientists and establish a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific excellence
• Direct Assay Development & Optimization: Identify, design, plan and establish cell-based and biochemical assays and support the team in assay development and optimization
• Oversee Target Expression Analysis: Lead efforts for evaluation of antigen and target expression in cells and tissues
• Drive Portfolio & Governance Decisions: Drive portfolio decision-making by providing expert biological insights and contributing to governance discussions
• Champion Scientific Innovation: Champion innovation by identifying novel targets, payloads, and mechanisms of action.

Requirements and Experience:

• Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, or related field.
• 10+ years of biopharma R&D experience with a track record of advancing programs from discovery into clinical testing.
• 6+ years of leadership with demonstrated success building and managing teams and leading cross-functional programs.
• Expertise in oncology biology and targeted therapies (ADCs, degraders, mAbs, or related modalities).
• Experience with translational methods and biomarker development, including bioinformatics, IHC, genomics, and proteomics.
• Demonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing teams, with proven success in mentoring and developing scientific talent
• Proven ability to lead IND planning and submissions, manage CROs, and integrate translational insights into program strategies.
• Strong external presence with publications, presentations, or industry recognition preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, and strategic problem-solving skills; ability to influence across functions and with executive stakeholders.

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