Associate Director, Project & Portfolio Management

Summary

Join insitro, a leading drug discovery company, as an Associate Director of Project and Portfolio Management. Partner with project leaders to develop effective project strategies and foster a high-performing team environment. Develop and execute integrated project plans encompassing research, discovery, clinical development, and data science. Contribute to the improvement of project management tools and methodologies. This hybrid or remote role offers flexibility, with local candidates having the option of a hybrid approach. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in biotech/pharmaceutical R&D and clinical development, a strong understanding of drug development processes, and proven project management skills. The role requires strategic thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• BS degree required in a life science field, MS or PhD preferred
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical industry in the R&D and clinical 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 across at least one modality (preferentially mAb, oligonucleotide), with deep experience in translational stages, CMC workflows, early commercial assessment and clinical development (IND into Phase 2)
• Solid understanding of metabolism or neuroscience disease areas and its competitive environment with the ability to take part in strategic discussions
• Highly skilled at project management – driving execution while balancing speed, quality, and cost including proficiency with project management tools and software e.g., critical path analyses, scenario planning, budget and resource management
• Experience with setting up or leading decision making bodies (governance) and/or portfolio planning and reviews processes
• High visibility role requiring the ability to think strategically and summarize complex information into important concepts for broader communication including executive 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
• Comfortable working in dynamic startup settings; adept at navigating ambiguity, evolving priorities, and time/resource constraints
• Self-directed and proactive with ability to exercise good judgment and respond quickly and effectively to changing environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high quality integrated project plans with clear timelines spanning research, discovery, clinical development, 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Certification (PMP or equivalent)
• Familiarity with Google suite and Smartsheets strongly preferred
• Prior use of generative AI tools / LLM technologies in day-to-day work (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity)
• Understanding of high-content human data modalities (e.g., genetics/genomics, histopathological imaging, spatial biology) and data generation technologies
• Familiarity with and passion about machine learning enabled drug discovery
• "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

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