Vice President, Automation
insitro
The Opportunity
insitro is changing the way that drugs are discovered and developed for patients by addressing bottlenecks throughout the drug discovery and development value chain via predictive models derived from a combination of external human cohort data and high-quality molecular data generated in-house. To enable and implement this vision, we're building a unique, high-efficiency research and pre-clinical engine that incorporates a range of modern technologies - both experimental and computational - and deploys them robustly and at scale to generate a pipeline of differentiated therapeutics..
In this leadership role, reporting to the CSO, you will work closely with laboratory and compute colleagues across the company to develop and deploy robust automated workflows generating high-quality biological and chemistry data. You will play a leading role in the design and implementation of R&D organizational structures that facilitate scaling of complex workflows supporting target and drug discovery across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. And, you will provide a cohesive framework to facilitate communication between various internal constituencies while instilling accountability and process rigor without stifling the creative ethos of the organization.
Your specific responsibilities will include the following:
- Build and oversee automation workflow and processes for cell manufacturing, genetic and chemical screening, chemical and biologics synthesis, materials management and omics
- Manage a multi-talented team that designs, prototypes, constructs and validates fit-for-purpose automation
- Build out new systems and process as needed in a timely and organized manner, and manage the maintenance and lifecycle for a large installed base of robotics
- Develop and ensure adherence to robust processes for running high-quality, scalable, reproducible experiments
- Partner to establish systems and processes for data and meta-data collection
- Effectively partner and communicate with our data engineering and LIMS teams to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive build
You will be joining an exciting biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, while maintaining a culture of innovation. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape insitro's culture, strategic direction, and impact on patient outcomes. Join us, and help make a difference!
About You
- PhD in biology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, process engineering or bio-engineering, or equivalent experience
- 10+ years of practical work experience in the biopharma industry or high-throughput academic/non-profit core facilities
- Established automation and operations leader with demonstrated accomplishment in complex organizations that span from innovative discovery through scalable execution
- A documented history of success in the rapid development and introduction of complex technology products, which are integrated at the systems level
- A strong organizational builder and manager who is also a strategic thinker, with demonstrated ability to understand the big picture and translate it into detailed, operational execution
- Demonstrated ability to oversee automation technology platforms relevant to the pharma R&D pipeline
- Considerable experience with high throughput biological or chemical lab environments involving extensive data collection
- Creative problem solver with considerable intellectual flexibility and demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and rapid change
- Ability to make decisions effectively and with data-driven rigor, in a way that integrates information from multiple stakeholders and ensures buy-in
- Track record of effective execution in work environments that are dynamic, fast-paced, and characterized by rapid growth
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues across a range of disciplines and to create alignment across diverse stakeholders
- Self-aware, unpretentious, and of high integrity
- Enthusiasm for tackling bold, ambitious goals and a passion for helping transform the lives of patients
Nice to Have
- Demonstrated affinity to the use of computational methods to accelerate drug discovery; exposure to AI/ML methods a considerable plus
- Understanding of human cell culture, especially induced pluripotent stem cells
- Broad knowledge of technology platforms that are relevant to drug discovery and development
- Experience working under the resource and time constraints of an early stage startup
Compensation & Benefits at insitro
Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $280,000 - $320,000. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate's skills, education and experience, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.
This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.
In addition, insitro also provides our employees:
- 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage (insitro pays 100% of premiums for employees on our base plans), as well as mental health and well-being support
- Open, flexible vacation policy
- Paid parental leave
- Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
- Support to occasionally attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and development
- New hire stipend for home office setup
- Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
- Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast
- Access to free onsite fitness center
- Commuter benefits
insitro is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams–grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences–and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.