Vice President, Translational Science

Company Description

Rhapsogen, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, MA, with a focus on developing precision biologics for IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2025 by industry-leading scientists Professors Jeff Ravetch and Eric Sundberg, and backed by Catalio Capital Management, the company pioneers innovative solutions to address autoimmune conditions. Its best-in-class enzymatic approach selectively eliminates IgG Fc effector functions while retaining protective humoral immunity. With its unique, non-immunosuppressive mechanism, Rhapsogen’s groundbreaking therapies have the potential to transform the treatment landscape for IgG-driven autoimmune disorders. The company is also advancing early development programs targeting pathogenic autoantibodies.

Role Overview                                                                            

Rhapsogen is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Translational Science to lead the mechanistic, biomarker, and dose-rationale strategy for CU43, a first-in-class precision biologic designed to neutralize IgG effector function without global IgG depletion.

Working in close partnership with the Vice President of Research & Early Development, this executive will ensure that CU43’s discovery-stage biology is translated into clinically actionable hypotheses, decision-grade biomarkers, and human-relevant pharmacology. The role is central to bridging discovery, IND-enabling work, and early human validation, and to preserving the mechanistic differentiation that underpins CU43’s value.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the translational strategy for CU43 from late discovery through early clinical stages.
• Partner closely with the VP of Research & Early Development to ensure seamless progression from discovery biology to translational hypotheses.
• Define, develop, and validate mechanism-based biomarkers and assays in autoimmune clinical indications.
• Lead dose and exposure rationale, integrating preclinical PK/PD, modeling, and human translational data.
• Ensure preclinical, ex vivo, and human-relevant datasets are hypothesis-driven, clinically relevant, and decision-enabling.
• Translate mechanistic insights into clear development logic, including indication prioritization and go/no-go criteria.
• Serve as the internal scientific authority on IgG biology, Fc receptor function, and antibody effector mechanisms.
• Support regulatory interactions by providing mechanistic and translational justification for development plans.
• Lead external translational collaborations with academic partners, CROs, and KOLs.
• Build, mentor, and scale the translational science function as the organization grows.
• Contribute to investor, partner, and board communications, clearly articulating CU43’s translational rationale and differentiation.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in IgG biology, Fc receptor signaling, antibody effector mechanisms, or immune-mediated disease.
• Proven success translating discovery biology into early human proof-of-concept.
• Strong experience in biomarker strategy, PK/PD integration, and dose justification.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with discovery and early development leaders.
• Experience operating successfully in early-stage or high-accountability biotech environments.
• Clear, persuasive communicator with scientific, regulatory, and investor audiences.
• Strategic mindset with hands-on scientific depth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Candidate Profile

• PhD in immunology, translational medicine, or related discipline.
• 15–18 years of industry experience in translational science, with demonstrated leadership at the executive or near-executive level.