(Associate) Director, Ophthalmology

insitro; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech startup in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Director/Director in Ophthalmology to drive drug discovery initiatives. This role involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and collaboration with external partners to advance innovative therapies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ophthalmology and a passion for impactful research.

Benefits

401(k) with employer matching

Medical, dental, vision, mental health support

Flexible vacation policy

Paid parental leave

Quarterly funds for books and courses

Support for conferences

Home office setup stipend

Monthly cell phone & internet stipends

Free onsite amenities

Transportation support via shuttle services

Qualifications

• 8+ years industry experience in drug discovery, including 4+ years leading projects.
• Expertise in retinal diseases and related disorders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ophthalmology strategy and lead drug discovery programs.
• Collaborate with data scientists and manage external collaborations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD or MD/PhD in a biomedical field

Job description

The Opportunity

The heart of insitro's strategy is to combine genetic and health information from large numbers of humans with biological information obtained in vitro to overcome key bottlenecks in the drug discovery process. To accomplish this, we are using cutting-edge methods in machine learning linked to the systematic discovery of novel therapeutic molecules. We are assembling a highly talented team of translational scientists committed to addressing society's pressing medical needs. As Associate Director/Director, Ophthalmology, you will help build and expand the company's portfolio in ophthalmology, set therapeutic area strategies, oversee early drug discovery programs, and lead strategic partnerships (e.g., with INSIGHT at Moorfields Eye Hospital).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to insitro's ophthalmology strategy as part of the Neuroscience/Ophthalmology leadership
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute ophthalmology drug discovery programs from target nomination to IND
• Collaborate with data scientists and biologists to generate hypotheses, deconvolute biology, and stratify patients for therapeutic interventions
• Manage external collaborations and CROs in ophthalmology research

You will join a well-funded biotech startup with assets transitioning to clinical phases, offering opportunities for significant impact. You will work with a talented team, develop a broad skill set, and influence insitro's culture and strategic direction. We value collaboration and effective communication to achieve rapid results. The role reports to the Vice President, Neuroscience (Genetics) and requires onsite (full-time or hybrid) work at our South San Francisco, CA office.

About You

• PhD or MD/PhD in a biomedical field (Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Genetics, etc.) with 8+ years industry experience in drug discovery, including 4+ years leading cross-functional projects
• Expertise in retinal diseases and related ophthalmologic or neurodegenerative disorders
• Proven track record in leading ophthalmology drug discovery projects across multiple eye indications
• Familiarity with preclinical stages, including lead optimization, CMC, toxicity studies; experience with biomarker and natural history studies is a plus
• Experience leading high-performance teams and fostering a culture of high-quality methods development
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across diverse backgrounds and functions
• Experience translating large-scale human data insights into drug discovery or working with retinal imaging data is a plus
• Passion for making a difference in the world!

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

Our target starting salary for US-based applicants is $175,000 - $235,000, determined by skills, education, experience, market demand, and internal parity. The role is eligible for an annual bonus and equity plans, subject to plan terms.

Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Medical, dental, vision, mental health support
• Flexible vacation policy
• Paid parental leave (16 weeks for birth, 10 weeks for adoption/fostering)
• Quarterly funds for books and courses
• Support for conferences
• Home office setup stipend
• Monthly cell phone & internet stipends
• Free onsite amenities (cafes, fitness center)
• Transportation support via shuttle services

insitro is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We ensure fair treatment and respect throughout the hiring process. Please be aware of recruitment scams; we do not request payments, and all communications originate from @insitro.com. For inquiries, contact [e-mail].

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About insitro: insitro is a drug discovery company leveraging machine learning and large-scale data to decode biology for transformative medicines. We integrate cellular data and human cohort data to develop predictive models, uncover disease drivers, and inform therapeutics. Since 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million and collaborates with top pharma partners. Visit www.insitro.com for more information.