Associate Director, Translational Research

About Rapalogix Health
Rapalogix Health is pioneering the emerging category of Skin Longevity by translating breakthroughs in aging biology into clinically validated skincare solutions. Built on foundational research into TORC1 signaling and cellular aging, Rapalogix is developing clinically grounded skincare solutions for dermatologists, aesthetic providers, and longevity-focused consumers through mechanisms rooted in longevity science.
As Rapalogix grows, the company is building the operational infrastructure needed to support a distributed team, an expanding commercial organization, and increasingly complex executive, board, investor, and company-wide activities.
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Translational Research will lead the skin biology and skin modeling work that powers Rapalogix Health's innovation pipeline. This role will deepen the company's understanding of how its molecules work in skin, build and apply predictive in vitro and ex vivo skin models, and translate scientific findings into product claims, new ingredient development, and future programs.
This is neither a bench scientist role nor a pure project management role. The ideal candidate is a hands-on translational biologist who can design studies and protocols, interpret data, and manage the CROs, consultants, and academic partners who carry out the work.
The team has built a significant backlog across mechanistic research, partnerships, and university collaborations. This leader will bring structure to that work, prioritize what matters most, and help map out the foundational and preclinical studies needed to advance the pipeline, including those specific to topical product development.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in skin biology and skin models, strong program management skills, and the judgment to operate effectively in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities
Skin Biology & Mechanistic Research
Lead mechanistic studies to understand the biology of Rapalogix's molecules and their effects on skin, including skin aging and skin metabolism
Apply biomarker and mechanistic studies to substantiate claims and inform next generation skin longevity solutions
Translate research findings into insights that inform product development, formulation strategy, and exploratory programs
Prioritize and bring structure to the existing backlog of mechanistic research, partnerships, and university collaborations
Skin Modeling & In Vitro Innovation
Drive the development and implementation of in vitro and ex vivo skin models that accelerate the innovation pipeline
Identify and integrate advanced models, including primary human skin cell cultures, co culture systems, 3D reconstructed human epidermis, and human skin organ cultures, to improve the predictive accuracy of efficacy and safety assessments
Design and oversee studies using 3D skin models, UV biology models, and animal models where needed
Ensure scientific robustness and reproducibility across all model systems and assays
New Ingredient Development & Claims Substantiation
Screen the biological properties of new active ingredients and select those best aligned with product positioning, efficacy targets, and customer needs
Translate in vitro findings into actionable, defensible product claims, optimizing study designs to meet performance benchmarks
Partner with Marketing and Medical Affairs to turn skin science into compelling, differentiated product narratives
Support ongoing cosmetic programs by generating the biological data needed to guide development decisions
Foundational & Preclinical Strategy
Assess the current data package and identify gaps in foundational and preclinical data
Help map out the studies needed to support future Rx programs, including non GLP and GLP safety studies
Account for the unique requirements of topical product development compared with systemic therapies
Partner with CMC consultants to align study plans with CMC activities and timelines
CRO & External Partner Management
Identify, select, and manage CROs, academic labs, and external partners, including those with leading skin cell culture and tissue engineering capabilities
Develop and review study protocols, ensuring studies are designed to answer the right scientific questions
Negotiate study scopes, timelines, and budgets with CROs
Oversee study execution, then analyze and synthesize external data to generate insights for product development
Manage university collaborations and research partnerships, ensuring alignment with company priorities
Program Management & Planning
Build and maintain detailed plans, timelines, and budgets for translational and skin modeling activities
Track progress across internal and external workstreams and proactively resolve risks and dependencies
Communicate plans, progress, data, and recommendations clearly to executive leadership
Scientific Leadership & Cross Functional Partnership
Serve as a key scientific partner to R&D, product development, CMC, Marketing, and executive leadership
Monitor scientific and regulatory trends in skin biology, bioassays, and skin models to keep Rapalogix ahead of the field
Contribute to intellectual property by identifying patentable innovations, and share findings through publications and scientific presentations
Contribute to long term R&D strategy, including new ingredient development and future Rx programs
Qualifications
PhD in cell biology, dermatology, bioengineering, or a related life science discipline; MS with significant industry experience will be considered
7+ years of industry experience in dermatology, skincare, or topical product development
Direct, hands on experience with in vitro and ex vivo skin models, including primary human skin cell cultures, co culture systems, 3D reconstructed human epidermis, and human skin organ cultures
Strong understanding of skin biology and skin metabolism; UV biology experience a plus
Ability to independently design, supervise, and analyze experiments with outsourced partners using molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques
Experience substantiating product claims and screening or validating active ingredients
Working knowledge of GLP and preclinical study requirements; topical Rx development experience a plus
Proven experience managing CROs and external research partners, including protocol development, negotiation, and data review
Solid program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple studies, timelines, and budgets at once
Experience reporting, publishing, and presenting results internally and externally, and supporting scientific marketing
Comfortable operating with autonomy in a fast moving, entrepreneurial environment
Rapalogix Offers
Compensation
Base Salary: $150,000-$175,000 annually
Bonus: Annual performance-based bonus
Equity: Competitive early-stage equity package
Benefits
16 Company holidays and unlimited vacation policy
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with fully employer-paid options for employees
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible spending accounts and health savings account
Adoption assistance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life and AD&D insurance, plus voluntary life insurance
Rapalogix Health is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Work arrangement
Yes