VP, Bioassays, Cell Models, and Genomic Screening
About the role
This is a pivotal role in shaping and executing insitro's CellML platform. You'll lead the charge in developing and integrating cell models that truly mimic human biology, crafting innovative bioassays, and overseeing our cell-based arrayed and pooled optical screening platforms to accelerate both target and drug discovery.
Responsibilities
- Drive insitro's discovery engine: Set the strategic vision for cell models, image based and genomic screens, as well as bioassay development and execution across all therapeutic areas, fueling our target and drug discovery ML engine
- Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership in the development, validation, and implementation of disease-relevant cell models, genomic screening (phenotypic pooled optical screening and arrayed screening), and supporting assay development for drug discovery
- Direct, establish, and design bioassays and phenotypic screens to deeply investigate target/pathway biology using human disease-relevant cell-based models
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for internal and external biochemical and bioassay strategy and data interpretation for high-throughput drug discovery (small molecules, large molecules, oligonucleotides)
- Support CRO monitoring and outsourced activities
- Lead and mentor a team of 20+ scientists, empowering them to achieve and exceed company goals
Requirements
A graduate degree in a technical field (biology, chemistry, biochemistry) or equivalent practical experience
12-15+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/ biotech industry
Proven experience leading assay development and screening teams, with a keen eye for developing high-throughput workflows, applying automation tools, and driving operational excellence concepts to enable efficient execution
Extensive experience with a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art cellular, biochemical, and imaging-based assays
Deep expertise in developing cell-based models and assays that measure disease related biology
Experience navigating complex genetic, small molecule, large molecule, and oligonucleotide cellular assays
Familiarity with using computational biology and/or machine learning concepts to generate profound biological insights
Strong track record of successfully leading high-performing scientific teams
Exceptional communication and influencing skills at all organizational levels, including executive leadership
Rigorous analytical capabilities, including strong quantitative and qualitative assessment skills, and demonstrated critical thinking
A true collaborator who excels at working effectively in cross-functional teams
Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building abilities
A genuine passion for making a difference in the world
Qualifications
Experience in preclinical bioassays and analytical development
Experience with iPSC-based differentiated cell models
Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) for the development of cell models and screening parameters
Skills
Experience with a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art cellular, biochemical, and imaging-based assays
Deep expertise in developing cell-based models and assays that measure disease related biology
Familiarity with using computational biology and/or machine learning concepts to generate profound biological insights
Strong track record of successfully leading high-performing scientific teams
Exceptional communication and influencing skills at all organizational levels, including executive leadership
Rigorous analytical capabilities, including strong quantitative and qualitative assessment skills, and demonstrated critical thinking
A true collaborator who excels at working effectively in cross-functional teams
Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building abilities
A genuine passion for making a difference in the world
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
At Insitro, our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $290,000 - $326,000. 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 with a 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions, excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as mental health and well-being support, an open, flexible vacation policy, paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks to support parents who give birth, and 10 weeks for a new parent (inclusive of birth, adoption, fostering, etc), quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development, support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities, a new hire stipend for home office setup, monthly cell phone & internet stipend, access to free onsite baristas and daily lunch for employees who are either onsite or hybrid, access to a free commuter bus network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area, and 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.