Senior Director, External Research & Development

Insitro•South San Francisco, CA

35d•$264,000 - $298,000•Hybrid

About The Position

insitro is searching for a Senior Director of External Research & Development to serve as the primary leader for all aspects of insitro's external research and development portfolio. This critical role holds ultimate accountability for establishing and implementing the company's external R&D strategy, including defining and optimizing the successful interaction and management of all preclinical and research CRO alliances. As the strategic owner of this function, you will collaborate cross-functionally with senior leaders across Research, Drug Discovery, Technical Operations, Corporate Development & Strategy, Finance, and Project Management to ensure seamless alliance and outsourcing management. Reporting to the Chief Technical Operations Officer, this role is open to remote and local candidates; either onsite (3 days per week) in our South San Francisco office or hybrid (~1 week per month) in our office with additional travel (up to 25% time) required to oversee domestic and international partnerships

Requirements

Education & Experience: Typically possess a Bachelor's degree and 18+ years, or advanced education (e.g., PhD in a scientific discipline) and 12+ years of relevant experience (may include doctoral experience)
R&D Knowledge: Excellent understanding of biotech/pharma R&D, preclinical research, clinical development, trial methodology, GCP, quality, and relevant regulatory standards and policies
CRO Strategy: Excellent understanding of the CRO landscape, including vendor capabilities and limitations, with in-depth experience soliciting, evaluating proposals, negotiating SOWs, and promoting strategic relationships
External Management: Experience building an external R&D strategy and managing collaborations with scientists, CROs, consultants, and pharmaceutical partners in a matrix environment
Scientific Expertise: Strong knowledge of a broad range of nonclinical studies (Toxicology, DMPK, Bioanalytical, Biology, Pharmacology), with Clinical Pharmacology and biomarker experience preferred
Communication & Influence: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to see issues from multiple viewpoints and understand stakeholder needs
Leadership & Sourcing: Proven ability to lead cross-functional groups, execute sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage 3rd party supplier relationships in an ambiguous, complex work environment
People Management: Direct people management experience with demonstrated competencies in growth mindset, mentoring, coaching, and a strong desire to promote the professional development of others

Nice To Haves

Scientific Expertise: Strong knowledge of a broad range of nonclinical studies (Toxicology, DMPK, Bioanalytical, Biology, Pharmacology), with Clinical Pharmacology and biomarker experience preferred

Responsibilities

External R&D Strategy: Lead the comprehensive external research strategy and set the direction for CRO alliance management, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and supporting the research portfolio. Represent insitro at senior-level partnership meetings and negotiations and ensures that business partnerships are managed in support of the research portfolio to enable effective delivery
Partner Network Management: Build, manage, and pursue innovative relationships with a strategic network of high-quality CROs and outside partners, ensuring the highest scientific and ethical standards
Project Execution & Oversight: Accountable for the successful scoping, monitoring, and execution of externally sourced projects across the vendor network according to project goals, spend, and timelines. Ensure strong partnership and communication with internal stakeholders
Governance & Compliance: Establish effective governance and partnership models (including KPIs/metrics), and collaborate with Legal and Procurement on partner selection, negotiation, and agreement execution
Process & Team Leadership: Lead a team to embed industry-leading processes and principles in vendor management, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and SOPs
Operational Review & Improvement: Oversee and regularly review the total scope of outsourced services (scientific, financial, and operational) to ensure effective resource management and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

Benefits

401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as 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
Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities
New hire stipend for home office setup
Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
Access to free onsite fitness center for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
Access to a free commuter bus and ferry network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area