Associate Director, Product Management

Slingshot Biosciences • Emeryville, CA

223d • $202,000 - $215,000

About The Position

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including TruCytes™ Biomarker controls, SpectraComp® compensation controls, ViaComp® cell health controls, and FlowCytes® instrument controls. Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells’ optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation. Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications!

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Cell Biology or closely related life sciences field is required.
• 5+ years of product management experience in the life sciences or diagnostics industry.
• Prior experience with cell-based technologies or synthetic biology tools is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in go-to-market strategy, customer targeting, and pricing strategy development.
• Familiarity with gross margin management, product cost modeling, and market-driven pricing.

Nice To Haves

• Strong strategic thinking, financial acumen, and business modeling capability.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, especially when bridging scientific and commercial messaging.
• High level of cross-functional leadership and project management ability.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, high-growth environment with evolving priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated go-to-market strategies across multiple product lines.
• Conduct comprehensive competitive research and market segmentation to guide product positioning and differentiation.
• Translate market insights into actionable product and marketing strategies that drive demand and adoption.
• Define and evolve ideal customer profiles and buyer personas in diagnostics, biotech, academia, and clinical markets.
• Identify high-value accounts and prioritize engagement based on market potential and strategic alignment.
• Map key stakeholders—including scientists, procurement, operations, and executive decision-makers—and tailor strategies to each.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to implement account-based marketing (ABM) initiatives targeting key organizations.
• Lead the development and execution of a scientific communications plan: white papers, publications, case studies, podium presentations, and webinars.
• Oversee content strategy to ensure messaging is scientifically rigorous, commercially relevant, and aligned with brand positioning.
• Support demand generation through campaign development, collateral creation, and digital engagement strategies.
• Equip the Sales team with tools to engage leads effectively, including buyer guides, objection handling, and competitive talking points.
• Track and optimize lead funnel performance, collaborating with sales ops and marketing automation resources.
• Collaborate with Sales and Executive Management to define regional distribution strategies.
• Identify, evaluate, and support onboarding of distribution partners that align with target markets and growth goals.
• Optimize pricing, packaging, and channel support to ensure mutual success.
• Conduct ongoing competitive pricing analysis to benchmark product pricing against industry standards and emerging competitors.
• Develop market-aligned pricing models that reflect product value, differentiation, and customer willingness-to-pay.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, and Operations to define pricing tiers, volume discount structures, and bundling strategies.
• Align pricing with production cost analysis and operational capabilities to ensure sustainable gross margin targets are met.
• Inform business cases for new product introductions with detailed margin forecasts and breakeven analyses.
• Monitor margin performance and adjust pricing or production approaches in response to changes in cost structure, demand, or competitive pressures.
• Serve as a key interface between Marketing, R&D, Sales, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
• Deliver market insights and customer feedback to guide product innovation and roadmap prioritization.
• Participate in strategic planning processes and support corporate growth initiatives.

Benefits

• Base salary range for this full-time position is between $202,000 - $215,000 + equity + benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees