Associate Director/Director, Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

Key Skills

Design, Drug Discovery, Effective communication skills, Leadership Skill, Machine learning techniques, Writing

Job Description

The heart of insitro’s strategy is the combination of novel, cutting edge methods in machine learning, biology at scale and drug discovery capabilities that address key bottlenecks in thedrug development pipeline. To accomplish that, we are putting together an incredible team of highly talented drug discovery scientists who want to make a difference by bringing meaningful and accessible medicines to patients with significant unmet needs. In this key role, you will help build the Oligonucleotide platform capabilities at insitro including siRNA, mRNA, ASOs, conjugation and formulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide oligonucleotide efforts (including tools and therapeutics) in projects as project team member or PTL
• Build insitro’s oligonucleotide capabilities through CRO or industry collaborations
• Work cross-functionally to drive oligonucleotide projects through different stage gates towards clinical development candidates
• Deeply engage cross-functionally to evaluate new targets towards drug discovery efforts
• Explore new approaches to utilize machine learning in oligo therapeutics efforts.

You will be joining a growing biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, but yet is very much in formation. A lot can change in this early and exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant impact. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape insitro’s culture, strategic direction, and outcomes. Join us, and help make a difference to patients!

About You

• PhD in organic, peptide or oligonucleotide chemistry, molecular biology or a related discipline with at least 7+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide design, synthesis, conjugation and formulation
• Deep understanding of the oligonucleotide drug discovery process
• Demonstrated track record of leadership advancing oligonucleotide projects through different stages of drug discovery and early-stage development
• Proven leadership capabilities in cross-functional teams
• High level of creativity and productivity towards solving drug discovery problems
• Deep experience in setting up and using CROs for oligonucleotide drug discovery
• Track record of innovation and impact on projects through peer-reviewed publication and/or patent applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multi-functional teams
• Intellectual curiosity to push the boundaries of drug discovery

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $180,000 - $235,000. 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), 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

About insitro

insitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning (ML) and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. At the core of insitro’s approach is the convergence of in-house generated multi-modal cellular data and high-content phenotypic human cohort data. We rely on these data to develop ML-driven, predictive disease models that uncover underlying biologic state and elucidate critical drivers of disease. These powerful models rely on extensive biological and computational infrastructure and allow insitro to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of insights and therapeutics in neuroscience, oncology and metabolism. Since launching in 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech and crossover investors, and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit www.insitro.com.