Forward Deployed Manager – AI & Bioinformatics

Algen Biotechnologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Algen is seeking an experienced Forward Deployed Manager – AI & Bioinformatics to lead multidisciplinary translational initiatives at the crossroads of computational biology and technology development. This role is not a traditional software or data science post; you will connect what AI can do with what biologists need, combining deep technical know-how with strong operational and partnership skills.

You will coordinate cross-functional planning, develop roadmaps, track impact, and serve as a

Qualifications

• PhD or Master\'s in biostatistics, bioinformatics, or a related technical field.
• MUST HAVE: Strong domain knowledge in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional genomics.
• MUST HAVE: Hands-on computational skills, including proficiency in writing and executing batch shell scripts for data pipelines.
• MUST HAVE: 5+ years of demonstrated program management skills, including 3+ years in a Biotech/Pharma environment, with a track record of scaling scientific technologies from early research to operational deployment.
• Proficiency with project management platforms such as JIRA, Confluence, and Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with regulatory, IP, or licensing considerations related to technology transfer is a plus.
• Preferred: Familiarity with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP) used for large-scale bioinformatics pipelines.
• Preferred: AI/Machine Learning concepts applied to genomics and drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams in planning, execution, and commercialization of initiatives bridging scientific discovery and translational application.
• Lead cross-functional project planning focused on translational biology, driving adoption across academic, clinical, and commercial settings.
• Develop comprehensive project roadmaps including timelines, resource allocation, risk assessments, commercialization strategies, and budgets.
• Track and report impact metrics such as publications, platform performance, adoption rates, and overall influence across research and industry ecosystems.
• Support customer-facing projects by generating analytical reports, executing mature in-house pipelines, and delivering timely data-driven insights.
• Serve as a liaison between scientific researchers, business development teams, and external collaborators to enable seamless technology transfer and scalable implementation.
• Communicate project milestones, dependencies, and risks clearly to stakeholders across both technical and non-technical domains.

Skills

scRNA-seq expertise

Batch scripting

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

AI in genomics

Translational biology

Education

PhD or Master\'s in biostatistics, bioinformatics, or related field

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Smartsheet

AWS/GCP

Job description

Algen is an AI-native precision medicine company harnessing the power of CRISPR and functional genomics to transform drug discovery and development. A spin-out from the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Professor Jennifer Doudna, Algen was founded at the forefront of gene-editing innovation. We combine cutting-edge CRISPR technologies with advanced AI approaches to systematically modulate disease biology at scale and accelerate the path to effective treatments. Join us in redefining what's possible in AI-powered drug discovery.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Forward Deployed Manager – AI & Bioinformatics to lead complex, multidisciplinary initiatives at the intersection of computational biology, translational science, and technology development. This is not a traditional software engineering or data science role. You will be the connective tissue between what AI can do and what biologists need it to do. The ideal candidate combines deep technical understanding with strong operational and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams in the planning, execution, and commercialization of initiatives that bridge scientific discovery and translational application, ensuring alignment with defined use cases.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional project planning focused on translational biology, driving adoption across academic, clinical, and commercial settings.
• Develop comprehensive project roadmaps including timelines, resource allocation, risk assessments, commercialization strategies, and budgets.
• Track and report impact metrics such as publications, platform performance, adoption rates, and overall influence across research and industry ecosystems.
• Support customer-facing projects by generating analytical reports, executing mature in-house pipelines, and delivering timely data-driven insights.
• Serve as a liaison between scientific researchers, business development teams, and external collaborators to enable seamless technology transfer and scalable implementation.
• Communicate project milestones, dependencies, and risks clearly to stakeholders across both technical and non-technical domains.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master\'s in biostatistics, bioinformatics, or a related technical field
• MUST HAVE: Strong domain knowledge in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional genomics.
• MUST HAVE: Hands-on computational skills, including proficiency in writing and executing batch shell scripts for data pipelines.
• MUST HAVE: 5+ years of demonstrated program management skills, including 3+ years in a Biotech/Pharma environment, with a track record of scaling scientific technologies from early research to operational deployment.
• Strong foundation in computational tools, statistics, and AI models, with practical insight into translational science challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to drive adoption of novel technologies, including development of validation pipelines and supporting documentation.
• Proven success building and managing academic, biotech, and commercial collaborations or consortia.
• Experience designing and executing scalable programmatic strategies that support long-term technology growth.
• Excellent systems thinking, with the ability to connect scientific innovation to operational execution.
• Outstanding communication and influence skills, able to align diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with project management platforms such as JIRA, Confluence, and Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with regulatory, IP, or licensing considerations related to technology transfer is a plus.

Preferred

• Familiarity with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP) used for large-scale bioinformatics pipelines.
• Familiarity with AI/Machine Learning concepts applied to genomics and drug discovery.