Head of Human Biology and Genetics

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

We are seeking a Head of Human Biology to lead Calico’s efforts to use large scale human cohorts to systematically understand the biology of aging and disease pathogenesis, in order to discover and validate novel therapeutic targets. 

The Head of Human Biology will be a key member of Calico’s Research leadership team. Candidates will have demonstrated interest in exploring genetic data in large human cohorts, with a strong record of scientific achievement. This person will be expected to have broad impact across the organization, leading both scientifically and strategically and playing a key role in the use of human data to advance Calico’s long term research goals. This individual will possess strong leadership skills and a track record of successful discovery research and interest in translating discoveries into novel interventions in age-related diseases. The successful candidate will join an ecosystem of collaborative, enthusiastic, rigorous, interdisciplinary scientists who are employing state-of-the-art technologies and computational approaches to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of aging and their impact on age-related diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct a group of Principal Investigators and oversee their research programs
• Direct an independent research effort aimed at gaining valuable insights from human data
• Provide scientific direction, including clinical insights, for a broad range of translational projects
• Recruit top talent with human data as a key focus
• Join Calico’s Scientific Review Committee
• Contribute overall to Calico’s ambitious research efforts to understand the fundamental biology of human aging and discover mechanisms that contribute to human longevity

Position Requirements:

• MD/PhD preferred, with PhD in computational biology, genetics, epidemiology, physiology, molecular/cellular biology, systems biology; relevant practical experience 
• Rising/proven leader in academia or industry with 10+ years of professional experience 
• Strong record of creative scientific achievement with a track record of impactful publications exploring human cohort data
• Recognized for novel mechanistic insights and important discoveries
• Experience managing other scientists
• Ability to integrate across many areas of biology with ease
• Excellent communication skills 
• A passion to translate cutting-edge science into therapeutic opportunities
• Must be willing to work onsite 5 days per week

Nice to Have:

• Experience with post-GWAS methods such as Mendelian randomization and variant interpretation
• Experience with association studies using high content phenotypes such as medical images
• Experience with experimental medicine or clinical drug development
• Familiarly with basic machine learning concepts
• ‘Wet lab’ experience
• Well-developed relationships with the academic scientific community

The estimated base salary range for this role is $314,000 - $374,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.