Associate Director, Project and Portfolio Management (Oncology)

The Opportunity

insitro is changing the way that drugs are discovered and developed for patients by applying a machine learning-driven approach that leverages insights derived from a combination of external human cohort data and high-quality cellular data generated in-house. To enable this vision we are seeking an Associate Director of Project and Portfolio Management who will help lead our oncology teams that discover and advance exciting drug candidates into the clinic.

Reporting into the Vice President of Project and Portfolio Management (PPM), you will partner with the oncology team leader to continue building our oncology project strategy and maintain a successful team environment with a high-level of performance. You will develop and execute high quality integrated project plans with clear timelines spanning research, discovery, software engineering, and data science/machine learning. As part of PPM you will also be a part of establishing and improving project management tools and methodologies across our portfolio to support critical initiatives.

This role can be based in South San Francisco or remote; local candidates will have the option of a hybrid approach with three days per week in the office.

About You

• BS degree required in a life science field, MS or PhD preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry in the early development space, including 4+ years in project/portfolio leadership leading cross-functional matrix teams
• Extensive knowledge of the drug development process and deliverables at each stage of the pipeline, with deep experience in translational stages, target discovery, early commercial assessment and preliminary clinical development
• Solid understanding of the oncology disease area and competitive environment with the ability to take part in strategic discussions
• Excellent Project Management Skills – driving execution while balancing speed, quality, and cost including proficiency with project management tools and software e.g., critical path analyses and scenario planning
• Strong understanding of high-content human data modalities (e.g., genetics/genomics, histopathological imaging, spatial biology), data generation technologies and familiarity with computational methods that are relevant to biomedical informatics, clinical informatics, statistical genetics, and medical genetics
• Ability to think strategically and summarize complex information into important concepts for broader communication including senior leaders
• Deep experience leading matrix team meetings to enable collaboration, decision-making, and alignment with internal and external customers while leading all aspects of project scope, deliverables, risks, and resources
• Ability to resolve complex problems using strong interpersonal skills while building and maintaining positive working relationships with collaborators

Nice to Have

• Project Management Certification (PMP or equivalent)
• Exposure to machine learning approaches, as applied to biology discovery or in related fields

Your Ways of Working and Alignment with insitro Values

• "Get Things Done": A self-starter, with a strong bias to action, who can prioritize and advance multiple projects under the resource, information and time constraints of an early stage startup
• "Engage with Respect": Prioritize a compassionate understanding of the needs and perspectives of insitro teams and leaders in every interaction and analysis
• "Own the Outcome": Proactively take ownership of solving problems

 

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $180,000 - $200,000. 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 on our base plans), 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 atte