Who We Are


Kinnate is a rapidly growing, clinical stage precision oncology company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for difficult-to-treat, genomically defined cancers. Kinnate’s mission is to expand the reach of targeted therapeutics by developing products for underserved populations.  With our lead program currently conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial and our 2nd program initiating a Phase 1 clinical trial currently, it is a very exciting time to join Kinnate!   In addition to the promising developments in our pipeline, Kinnate is financially strong with approximately $324.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2021, which is expected to fund current operations, including initiation of multiple registrational studies, into the second half of 2023. Based in San Francisco and San Diego, California, the Kinnate team is composed of drug discovery experts supported by a distinguished group of scientific advisors.


Kinnate is an employee-focused company providing a best-in-class benefits package which includes:  cash salaries and bonuses and equity awards for all employees; employee stock purchase program; unlimited paid time off; annual paid “refresher” days for all employees; annual massage days for all employees; highly subsidized health benefits packages with a wide variety of provider options and minimal to no out of pocket expenses for employees; monthly stipend for employees who elect no health coverage through Kinnate; life and accidental death and disability insurance; company contribution to 401k plan; flexible office and remote work options; free local gym memberships; healthy lifestyle reimbursement program; home office reimbursement program; and commuter and walking/biking benefits. 


Your impact at Kinnate

As a Senior Director, Translational Medicine (CDx / Dx / Biomarker Lead), you will join a dynamic team of highly effective, collaborative researchers driven to succeed. You will work with multiple functions supporting early-stage clinical programs, working with external partners to develop companion diagnostic (CDx) tests to support programs in various stages of development. You’ll be someone passionate about your role in bringing targeted therapies to cancer patients. You desire making direct impact on oncology research and development and will excel by lending your translational and/or clinical biomarker experience to this role.

Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the clinical biomarker and CDx function (within Translational Medicine) to develop and deliver the overarching biomarker and diagnostic strategies for all of Kinnate’s clinical programs
  • Manage a team of Translational Medicine scientists to drive design, execution and reporting of preclinical and clinical research studies tied to the biomarker and CDx strategy
  • Provide functional leadership to support efficient advancement of Kinnate’s clinical programs through representation on product teams and relevant sub-teams, through authoring of relevant sections of clinical and regulatory documents (e.g., clinical protocols, IBs, INDs, NDAs, BBs, IDEs, PMAs), and through engagement with senior management and external research and business partners
  • Be accountable for timely delivery of high-quality CDx data packages as required for successful regulatory approval and commercialization, including identification of external partners and diagnostic oversight
  • Function as a scientific and business thought-leader inside the company and outside the company as a key link to the external community
  • Support business development outreach and strategic partnership evaluations as a biomarker and diagnostic subject matter expert
  • Contribute to corporate communications and scientific presentations to support Kinnate’s business objectives

 

Success Factors:

  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills for clinical, business, and scientific audiences
  • Highly adept at solving complex, cross-functional problems
  • Strong leadership skills with an ability to positively influence colleagues, direct reports, and external partners
  • Ability to thrive and adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly accountable environment
  • Proactive and self-motivated team player

 

The Right Stuff

  • PhD in genetics, molecular biology, or related field with 12+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry role, with 6+ years of prior drug development experience in oncology
  • Deep understanding of technical and regulatory aspects of companion diagnostic (CDx) development
  • Direct experience with strategic and tactical execution of biomarker research in clinical trials
  • Prior experience in leading IVD development and regulatory interactions
  • Understanding of established and novel diagnostics platforms and technologies for in vitro diagnostics
  • Proven excellence in applying scientific and clinical knowledge to strategic planning, goal setting, and successful project execution as evidenced by a strong publication record
  • Excellent organization skills and results driven mindset tied to timelines and budgets
  • Strong track record of engagement with and effective management of external business partners
  • Proven ability to interact collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in a fast-paced environment remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. 



NOTE: This position summary is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Kinnate is a science-driven company and we are proud to be responsible members of our communities. Subject to applicable law, we require all of our employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted against the COVID19 virus.


EEO & Employment Eligibility

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company. We provide equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Kinnate Biopharma Inc. also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of applicable law.


Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Kinnate Biopharma Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Kinnate or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Kinnate’s internal HR Team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Kinnate, and Kinnate will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.


 

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