Program Lead, Therapeutic Discovery

About the Role

Join an energizing and purpose-driven team in San Francisco, composed of seasoned professionals from esteemed institutions such as MIT, Harvard Medical School, Roche, ETH, and Dana-Farber. Our work environment prioritizes both speed and precision, fostered by a group that values ambition, integrity, and clear problem-solving. Early-stage contributors will have the opportunity to make impactful contributions and take charge of critical initiatives, surrounded by passionate colleagues and mentored directly by individuals shaping the company’s scientific direction.

We are committed to rewarding excellent performance with significant responsibilities, recognition, ownership, and trust. Advancement is based on proven contributions and judgment rather than hierarchy.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead innovative therapeutic programs from inception to early validation, targeting areas such as contraception, cognitive enhancement, disease resistance, recovery, sleep, and related domains.
• Generate and advance rigorously grounded program ideas to meaningfully enhance human health or capability.
• Transform scientific concepts into feasible projects by outlining targets, mechanisms, modalities, assay strategies, biomarkers, budgets, timelines, and clear go/no-go criteria.
• Choose the most suitable technological approaches for each initiative, which could include RNA-based therapeutics, small molecules, peptides, polymers, or other rapid-iteration modalities.
• Own complete program cycles, from target identification and literature review to experimental planning, molecule design/acquisition, assay set-up, in vitro and in vivo trials, data interpretation, and subsequent decisions, collaborating closely with fellow scientists.
• For promising directions, play a pivotal role in assembling capable teams and infrastructure: hiring scientists, recruiting advisors, identifying partners, sourcing animal models, and securing laboratory instrumentation.
• Remain actively engaged in all scientific and data-driven aspects of assigned projects, with the potential to secure substantial early-stage funding for successful validation.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience in the origination and advancement of drug candidates into clinical trials or market release.
• Track record of independently originating and developing scientific projects, including identification of high-potential mechanisms, experimental planning, execution, and achieving impactful outcomes (e.g., pivotal data, publications, patents, or funding).
• Motivation to tackle significant biological challenges such as aging, cognitive function, reproductive health, sleep, and human physiological limits.
• Exceptional ability to evaluate scientific evidence, define program mechanisms, assay plans, biomarkers, model systems, and critical milestones.
• Self-driven, detail-focused, and able to move projects ahead rapidly while maintaining scientific rigor.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary ranges from $180,000 to $340,000, with added equity options (valued at approximately $50,000 to $200,000; subject to tax and liquidity considerations).
• Compensation may be tailored according to your unique background and anticipated impact.
• Receive a $500 or greater monthly wellness allowance for personal development, health, coaching, or recovery tools.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—fully covered by the company for the base plan.
• Access to HSA, FSA, and 401(k) plans.
• Nutritious team dinners served every day.
• Support for employment visa applications, including O-1, H-1B, J-1, TN, and additional work-based options.

Application Process

Our selection framework is rapid, candid, and personalized. Steps include a preliminary application, two phone screenings, and an immersive in-person trial in San Francisco for hands-on collaboration experience. We encourage anyone considering the role, even tentatively, to apply, as impactful contributors may come from unconventional backgrounds. Referral bonuses are available for successful recommendations.