About the company
Averna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing genomic medicines for a broad range of diseases. Our technology leverages naturally occurring genetic elements found in safe harbor loci in nature to deliver new genes via mRNA and lipid nanoparticles to achieve precise, safe, and durable insertion of entire therapeutic genes. Backed by an expert team and experienced investors, we are poised to transform the landscape of genomic medicine, offering treatments that can be re-dosed and titrated with curative intent to bring hope to patients suffering from genetic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.
Overview:
The Director of Preclinical Research will be a key scientific leader within the Research & Development organization, responsible for driving and executing the preclinical strategy for gene delivery across rare genetic and metabolic liver diseases. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team in the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo studies to advance transgene delivery programs from concept through regulatory filing. The Director will work closely with research, translational, and clinical colleagues to shape program direction, establish scientific priorities, and ensure the rigorous and timely execution of studies that support regulatory submissions and inform therapeutic decision-making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and execution of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate transgene delivery approaches across rare genetic and metabolic liver diseases
- Develop and oversee preclinical strategies and study plans supporting IND-enabling programs, including PK/PD, efficacy, biodistribution, and safety pharmacology studies
- Collaborate cross-functionally with translational science, CMC, regulatory affairs, and clinical teams to ensure scientific alignment and timely program progression
- Manage and mentor a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Oversee and manage relationships with CROs and external collaborators conducting preclinical studies, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and adherence to timelines
- Contribute to regulatory documents including regulatory submissions, briefing documents, and scientific reports; represent preclinical data in internal forums
Qualifications and Experience:
- PhD in pharmacology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline; postdoctoral experience and/or equivalent industry experience preferred
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience in preclinical drug development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
- Expertise in liver biology and/or hepatic gene delivery, with hands-on experience in rodent and large animal models of genetic or metabolic liver disease
- Demonstrated knowledge of IND-enabling study requirements including GLP toxicology, biodistribution, and pharmacology study design; familiarity with FDA and EMA regulatory expectations
- Experience with gene therapy, mRNA, or lipid nanoparticle delivery platforms strongly preferred
- Excellent scientific communication skills, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, start-up environment, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution across multiple concurrent programs
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills – both English and Hebrew
- Exceptional teamwork abilities, enabling effective collaboration in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
- Results driven, able to prioritize, manage resources and demonstrate solution-oriented thinking
Work Structure:
- Position is based at our Ness-Ziona Science Park laboratory facility (Israel)
- Flexibility in working hours required to accommodate meetings across multiple time zones