(Senior) Director, Translational Medicine and Diagnostics

insitro•South San Francisco, CA

4d•$224,000 - $299,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The unprecedented convergence of multi-modal data, advanced disease modeling, and computational power is revolutionizing drug discovery. insitro is harnessing this moment to redefine how medicines are developed for complex diseases. Our AI/ML-enabled platforms integrate and scale data to rapidly discover novel biological insights, identify new targets and drugs, and redefine complex diseases. To enable this vision, we are seeking a Director (or Senior Director) of Translational Medicine and Diagnostics. This role is an opportunity to directly improve patients' lives by leading translational medicine across our three therapeutic areas — neurology/neurodegeneration, metabolism/cardiovascular, and ophthalmology — and by making clinical trials more efficient and beneficial for patients and drug developers through AI/ML and innovative translational strategies. Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer, you will lead the translational medicine function at insitro, supporting the development of multiple therapeutics — biologics, oligonucleotides, and small molecules — along with multimodal biomarkers and diagnostics. This position can be onsite (three days per week) or hybrid (~one week per month) in our South San Francisco office, with additional travel to relevant medical and translational science conferences and health authorities.

Requirements

Advanced degree in life sciences, technology, chemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
10+ years of experience in translational science in biotech and/or pharma, including direct experience as a translational lead delivering therapeutics and diagnostic biomarkers from FIH through proof-of-concept to NDA/BLA submission
Experience applying AI/ML approaches to drug discovery and development
Deep understanding of diagnostic and device regulations, good clinical practice, clinical trial design and execution, clinical pharmacology, biostatistics, and the application of computation to drug development
Track record of communicating and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders across clinical, translational, computational, and life sciences functions
Strong interpersonal skills that inspire others to do their best work
Genuine passion for bringing better medicines to patients in need

Responsibilities

Build and lead insitro's translational medicine function, from IND/CTA through clinical proof-of-concept, across biologics, oligonucleotides, and small molecules
Serve as translational lead for advanced pre-clinical and initial clinical-stage assets
Be accountable for translational medicine strategy, GCP adherence, and regulatory-authority interactions, including biospecimen CRO selection and oversight
Design innovative approaches to patient stratification using laboratory and digital biomarkers
Generate proof-of-mechanism evidence that drives objective, data-driven, and timely go/no-go decisions
Interpret regulatory translational medicine requirements and quantify the return on investment of translational strategies
Collaborate closely with preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and computational teams
Influence emerging AI/ML policy in translational science through original publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement

Benefits

Annual Performance Bonus Plan
Equity Incentive Plan
401(k) plan with employer matching
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Mental health and well-being support
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
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