The OpportunityWe seek an exceptional, visionary leader to serve as
Vice President, Cardiometabolic Disease - Translational Genetics (Human Genetics and Target Translation). This role is a critical link between our foundational AI/ML-driven target identification platform and the acceleration of our therapeutic pipeline. You will leverage your deep expertise in human genetics and drug development to convert novel, genetically-validated targets into viable drug programs.
You will report to the SVP, Metabolic Disease and Translational Pharmacology and can be either onsite (3 days per week) in our South San Francisco office or hybrid (~1 week per month) in our office.
Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the strategy for leveraging human genetics and ML-imputed phenotypes (e.g., from large-scale human cohort data combined with proprietary multi-modal cellular data) to identify and prioritize novel therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart failure, kidney disease, MASLD/MASH, obesity).
- Target Validation & Conversion: Lead the cross-functional efforts to validate and transition unique genetic targets identified by the AI/ML platform into actionable drug discovery programs. This includes establishing rigorous criteria for target validation, developing translatable disease models, and providing expert input to drive programs from Target Identification to Lead Identification.
- Target Imputation & GWAS Support: Partner closely with our Machine Learning and Computational Biology teams to validate and leverage AI/ML models for imaging based phenotypes of interest to empower genetic discovery. This data will be used to support high-powered Genetic Association Studies (GWAS & RVAS) analyses for target identification.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the subject matter expert and strategic partner to Research, Platform Biology, and Drug Discovery leaders. Guide experimental design (e.g., cell-based models, high-content screens) to generate high-quality, fit-for-purpose data essential for training and validating ML models and confirming target engagement.
- Pipeline Advancement: Ensure the efficient progression of targets through preclinical stages, making key go/no-go decisions based on genetic evidence, biological validation, and drug tractability.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of scientists and analysts focused on human genetics and target translation.
About You- MD/Ph.D (preferred) or Ph.D. in Human Genetics, Statistical Genetics, Biology, Pharmacology or a related discipline with at least 12+ years of relevant experience in target and drug discovery and development in cardiometabolic disease.
- Exceptional Track Record: Proven success in leading teams to convert unique, genetically-driven insights into validated drug targets, evidenced by a significant contribution to advancing programs toward or into preclinical and clinical development.
- Cardiometabolic Expertise: Track record of familiarity with the treatment of cardiometabolic disease and relevant pathogenic mechanisms, preferably with a focus in heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Human Genetics Expertise: Deep, practical experience with the application of human genetics/GWAS/RVAS to target discovery and selection, including understanding of Mendelian Randomization, PRS, fine-mapping and functional annotation and interpretation, meta-analysis, and the integration of diverse clinical and molecular datasets.
- Experience with large-scale human genetics biobank, e.g. Finngen, UKB, All of Us
- Clinical informatics experience a plus (phecodes, ICD code etc.)
- Drug Discovery Acumen: Extensive knowledge of the entire drug discovery lifecycle, including target validation, assay development, lead identification, and the requirements for advancing small molecules, biologics, or oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
- AI/ML Fluency: Strong familiarity with the principles and practical deployment of AI/ML to biological data (genomics, omics, imaging) and the ability to effectively collaborate with computational scientists on model development and data generation strategies.
Compensation & Benefits at insitroOur target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $290,000 - $326,000. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate's skills, education and experience, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data.
This role is eligible for participation in our Annual Performance Bonus Plan (based on company targets by role level and annual company performance) and our Equity Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of those plans and associated policies.
In addition, insitro also provides our employees:
- 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
insitro is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams-grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences-and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.
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Please be aware of recruitment scams: we never request payments, all recruitment communications are from
@insitro.com, and if in doubt, contact us at info@insitro.com.
About insitroinsitro is a drug discovery and development company using machine learning (ML) and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. At the core of insitro's approach is the convergence of in-house generated multi-modal cellular data and high-content phenotypic human cohort data. We rely on these data to develop ML-driven, predictive disease models that uncover underlying biologic state and elucidate critical drivers of disease. These powerful models rely on extensive biological and computational infrastructure and allow insitro to advance novel targets and patient biomarkers, design therapeutics and inform clinical strategy. insitro is advancing a wholly owned and partnered pipeline of insights and therapeutics in neuroscience and metabolism. Since launching in 2018, insitro has raised over $700 million from top tech, biotech and crossover investors, and from collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. For more information on insitro, please visit www.insitro.com.
