AnaBios Corporation · 1 day ago
Head/Director of Gastrointestinal Diseases
SD Metro Area
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expAnaBios Corporation is a transformative biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing drug discovery through human cell-based experimental systems. They are seeking a Head or Director of Gastrointestinal Diseases to lead the GI disease research division, primarily focusing on inflammatory bowel diseases and developing innovative tissue models for drug discovery and translational research.
BiotechnologyMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Lead the development, optimization, and validation of precision-cut intestinal slice (PCIS) and colon slice models for IBD and broader GI disease research
Establish and refine biopsy explant culture systems that maintain tissue viability, architecture, and functional characteristics for extended culture periods
Design disease-relevant IBD models incorporating inflammatory stimuli, cytokine challenges, and patient-derived tissues from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis donors
Develop comprehensive endpoint assays including barrier integrity (TEER, permeability), inflammatory biomarkers, cytokine profiling, and histopathological assessment
Pioneer integration of Ussing chamber technology with tissue slice and biopsy platforms for functional electrophysiological measurements
Explore complementary model systems including intestinal organoids, gut-on-chip technologies, and microbiome co-culture approaches
Define and execute the strategic vision for the GI disease service line, establishing the organization as a leader in IBD translational research
Identify market opportunities aligned with pharmaceutical industry priorities in IBD, celiac disease, and other GI indications
Build strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, academic gastroenterology centers, IBD biobanks, and tissue procurement networks
Represent the organization at scientific conferences (DDW, ECCO, AGA) and industry events as a thought leader in GI drug discovery
Contribute to grant applications and collaborative research initiatives to expand platform capabilities
Oversee procurement and processing of human intestinal and colonic tissues from surgical resections, biopsies, and organ donors
Implement robust tissue characterization protocols including donor phenotyping, disease staging, and baseline inflammatory status assessment
Establish standardized protocols for tissue slicing, biopsy handling, culture conditions, and viability monitoring
Ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and reproducibility across all GI research programs
Develop and maintain SOPs, validation documentation, and quality metrics aligned with regulatory expectations
Recruit and develop scientific talent with expertise in GI physiology, mucosal immunology, and tissue-based assay development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing GI research team committed to scientific excellence and innovation
Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and create opportunities for professional growth
Foster cross-functional collaboration with histology, biomarker, and computational biology teams
Serve as the principal scientific contact for GI-focused client engagements, ensuring exceptional service and scientific partnership
Design customized study protocols addressing client objectives for IBD drug candidates including biologics, small molecules, and novel modalities
Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources while maintaining the highest scientific standards
Deliver comprehensive scientific reports, data analyses, and strategic recommendations to pharmaceutical partners
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in Gastroenterology, Mucosal Immunology, GI Physiology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline
Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in GI or IBD research, with at least 5 years in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO environments
Demonstrated hands-on expertise with intestinal or colonic tissue slice preparation, biopsy explant cultures, or related ex vivo GI tissue models
Strong background in IBD pathophysiology, including mucosal immunology, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and inflammatory signaling pathways
Proven track record of assay development and validation for drug discovery or translational research applications
Minimum 3-5 years of experience successfully leading and developing research teams (5-15 members)
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to IBD, GI physiology, or mucosal biology (15+ publications preferred)
Experience working with primary human intestinal tissues from healthy donors and IBD patients
Deep understanding of IBD mechanisms including TNF-α, IL-23/IL-17, JAK-STAT, integrin, and S1P signaling pathways
Proficiency in intestinal barrier function assessment: transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability assays, tight junction analysis
Experience with GI-relevant analytical techniques: cytokine multiplex assays, ELISA, flow cytometry for mucosal immune populations, immunohistochemistry
Familiarity with Ussing chamber systems or equivalent electrophysiological platforms
Knowledge of tissue slicing equipment (vibratome, precision tissue slicers) and ex vivo culture optimization
Preferred
Direct experience establishing or scaling intestinal tissue slice or biopsy culture services in a commercial or CRO setting
Expertise in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis models with understanding of disease-specific pathophysiology
Experience with intestinal organoid/enteroid culture systems and potential integration with tissue slice platforms
Background in gut microbiome research and host-microbiome interactions relevant to IBD
Knowledge of current and emerging IBD therapeutics: anti-TNF, anti-IL-23, JAK inhibitors, S1P modulators, anti-integrins, and novel targets
Experience with additional GI indications: celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer
Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or other advanced molecular profiling of intestinal tissues
Experience with gut-on-chip or microphysiological systems for GI modeling
Business development experience including client relationship management, proposal development, and contract negotiations
Established network within the pharmaceutical GI/IBD drug development community
Company
AnaBios Corporation
AnaBios generates highly valuable, predictive human data in advance of clinical trials, ensuring the selection of the most effective and safest drugs, thereby reducing the time and expense related to clinical trial failures.
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
AnaBios Corporation has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2021 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$19.34MKey Investors
Ampersand Capital PartnersPrincipia SGR
2022-06-07Series C· $6.5M
2019-12-19Series Unknown· $1.14M
2016-12-27Series B· $10M
Leadership Team
Andre Ghetti
CEO
Jack Reynolds
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman
Recent News
2026-01-06
Google Patent
2025-02-10
2025-02-05
Company data provided by crunchbase