Scientific Director | tRNA Biotherapeutics

Scientific Director – tRNA Biotherapeutics
Company Overview
XtRNA Bio  is a pioneering biotechnology company developing a proprietary tRNA therapeutic platform for underserved patients with rare genetic diseases and high unmet medical needs. XtRNA Bio is advancing a novel approach to correct translational defects at their root, from discovery through to the clinic — with a focus on meaningful, durable benefit for patients who currently have no options.
XtRNA's proprietary engineering capability enables both elevation and suppression therapy, delivered via synthetic and vectorized formats — giving us access to a broad and expanding universe of treatable diseases.

Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and visionary  Scientific  Director  to lead and shape XtRNA Bio’s scientific strategy and translational research programs.
This role sits at the interface of  discovery, preclinical development, and company strategy , working closely with the CEO and broader leadership team. You will drive the advancement of our tRNA platform from proof-of-concept toward IND-enabling studies and early clinical readiness.
The position is primarily remote, with frequent travel to our scientific partners (Radboud University, The Netherlands; Hamburg University, Germany), and flexibility for strategic collaboration across the world.
Location:  Remote (Preferred Europe)
Commitment:  80% (approximately) 
Compensation:  Primarily equity-based, modest base salary until fundraising.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Strategy


• Define and execute the  scientific vision and R&D roadmap  aligned with company milestones (preclinical → IND → clinical entry)

• Lead the development of XtRNA Bio’s  dual tRNA platform  (elevation and suppression modalities)

• Translate cutting-edge RNA biology into  therapeutic strategies with clinical relevance

Program Leadership


•
Oversee  lead  preclinical  programs in  focus indications   (tRNA elevation in neuromuscular diseases , particularly CMT2D, and tRNA suppression in respiratory diseases, particularly CF)


•
Guide optimization of  AAV-tRNA constructs , including vector design, capsid selection, and delivery strategies


•
Drive development of synthetic tRNA delivery systems to the respiratory tract


• Supervise  in vivo and in vitro studies , including rodent and NHP models, biomarker development, and functional endpoints

• Drive  IND-enabling studies , including biodistribution, toxicology, and dose-finding

Platform Expansion


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Identify and characterize potential clinical applications of the XtRNA platform


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Further develop and optimize our delivery modalities


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Engage with relevant academic partners for PoC studies


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Develop and nurture a dedicated Scientific Advisory Board 


Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Partner with teams in:


• CMC and vector manufacturing

• Regulatory and clinical strategy

• Intellectual property and business development


• Align scientific execution with  fundraising, partnerships, and corporate milestones

Leadership


•
Establish a culture of  scientific excellence, rigor, and innovation


•
Interface with external collaborators, KOLs, and Scientific Advisory Board members


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On the long-term, build, mentor, and inspire a  high-performing multidisciplinary R&D team


External Representation


• Present scientific progress to  investors, partners, and scientific conferences

• Contribute to  publications, patents, and company visibility


Qualifications
Education & Experience


• PhD (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, or related field

•
8–12+ years of experience in early-stage biotech/pharma, with  progressive scientific leadership roles


• Strong expertise in:


• RNA biology and/or translation mechanisms

• Gene therapy, particularly AAV-based delivery

• Neuromuscular or rare genetic diseases


Technical Expertise


• Proven experience with:


•
AAV vector design, delivery, and analytics


•
LNP delivery modalities


• Preclinical models (rodent; NHP experience is a plus)

• Molecular and cellular assays (RNA-seq, qPCR, histology, biomarkers)


• Track record advancing programs toward  IND-enabling stages

Leadership & Impact


• Demonstrated ability to:


• Translate early science into  therapeutic development pipelines

•
Lead cross-functional collaborations in a  startup or high-growth environment


• Contribute to  strategy, fundraising, and partnerships


Additional Strengths


• Entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on execution

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• Experience in  rare diseases or platform-based therapeutics  is highly preferred


Why Join XtRNA Bio?


• Pioneer a new therapeutic modality : tRNA-based medicine

• Work on a  platform with broad applicability , shifting from “one gene–one drug” to “one mechanism–many diseases.”

• Directly shape a company advancing toward  first-in-human studies

• Collaborate with leading scientists and experienced biotech entrepreneurs

• Play a central role in delivering  transformative therapies for patients with unmet needs


Role Evolution
This role is designed to grow into a  Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)  or equivalent executive leadership position as the company scales.