(Senior) Director, Associate General Counsel

The Opportunity

insitro is changing the way that drugs are discovered and developed for patients by addressing bottlenecks throughout the drug discovery and development value chain via predictive models derived from a combination of external human cohort data and high-quality molecular data generated in-house. To enable and implement this vision, we're building a unique, high-efficiency research and pre-clinical engine that incorporates a range of modern technologies - both experimental and computational - and deploys them robustly and at scale to generate a pipeline of differentiated therapeutics.

This strategy requires a seamless, robust, and effective operation enabled by deep collaboration between cell and molecular biologists, drug hunters, software and data engineers, machine learners and G&A functions. We are all deeply committed to our mission of bringing better drugs faster to the patients who can benefit most, through machine learning and data at scale.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated corporate attorney with a demonstrated track record of leading transactions and operational activities across multiple subject matter areas to join our team as Assistant General Counsel. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you will interact with colleagues across all departments and levels at insitro, including the management team, and you will become a crucial part of scaling up a high performance legal team. The role requires exemplary leadership, collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills and a curious mind and desire to learn. The role also requires a business-oriented and outcome-driven approach. The role will be based in South San Francisco, with a hybrid approach of three days per week in the office.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned attorney who is passionate about using their skills at the intersection of legal matters and company building to advance therapeutic discovery and help make a difference to patients.

Responsibilities

In the near term you can expect to lead or participate in the following activities:

• Provide legal support for business development transactions with significant compliance and intellectual property components including collaborations, research & development agreements, license agreements, data use agreements, and M&A agreements.
• Provide legal support for capital raising transactions.
• Support the Chief Legal Officer in designing, developing, implementing, and operationalizing company-wide compliance programs in areas including information management, cyber security, quality, privacy, healthcare compliance, labor & employment laws, and corporate governance.
• Support the clinical development team in preparing for insitro's initial clinical studies.
• Provide practical and results-oriented legal advice on (i) matters related to compliance and risk assessment, and (ii) data science issues including the use of generative AI platforms and applications, the uses of open source software, and various agreements related to research tools and data use rights.
• Manage junior colleagues in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating various commercial contracts with third parties including vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Participate in the development of an external communications strategy and the process for reviewing external communications.
• Stay informed about legal and regulatory developments relevant to insitro's unique ML-driven drug development approach.
• Lead the Legal team's efforts to develop and implement scalable, fit-for-purpose and user-friendly legal processes, tools, and templates.

In the future your responsibilities may expand to include:

• Support the Chief Legal Officer with matters related to the Board of Directors and Committees.
• Assist the Chief Legal Officer and Finance colleagues with equity administration matters.
• Work with internal Legal and Finance colleagues and outside counsel to support SEC filings in collaboration with various internal and external non-legal parties, including senior management, Board members, and the independent auditors.
• Review external communications including press releases, investor presentations, and other public announcements.

About You

• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school, preferably top-tier.
• Licensed and a member in good standing with one State bar, preferably California.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience, preferably split between a top-tier law firm and a small in-house legal department.
• Extensive experience in the life sciences industry and familiarity with intellectual property, regulatory, and compliance matters relevant to the drug development process.
• Experience supporting capital raising and M&A transactions.
• Experience with life science business development transactions including research and development agreements, collaborations, and license agreements (in and out).
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and related legal and operational issues, including data use and data acquisition agreements is a plus.
• Familiarity with the basic corporate governance laws, regulations, and operating norms that apply to privately held companies is a plus.
• Familiarity with the initial public offering process, SEC filing and compliance matters, public company equity administration, and annual shareholder meetings is a plus.
• Dynamic self-starter, with a results-oriented approach, who can intuitively prioritize, juggle, and advance multiple projects under the resource, information, and time constraints in a small, fast paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-resolutions skills, excellent business judgment, and an ability to think nimbly, strategically, and give practical advice that balances business needs with legal risks.
• Ability to synthesize complex legal topics into cogent business concepts and make effective and persuasive presentations to colleagues, the management team, the Board of Directors, and third parties.
• Stellar organizational and time management skills and a high level of attention to detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Detail oriented with a high level of ethics and integrity.
• Exceptional level of professionalism and discretion coupled with strong interpersonal skills and a "make friends" approach to working with people inside and outside the company.
• A passion and commitment to our mission at insitro.
• A sense of humor and a desire to have fun while working hard and doing good work.

Compensation & Benefits at insitro

Our target starting salary for successful US-based applicants for this role is $245,000 - $310,000. 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 (insitro pays 100% of premiums for employees on our base plans), as well as mental health and well-being support
• Open, flexible vacation policy
• Paid parental leave
• Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and development
• New hire stipend for home office setup
• Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
• Access to free onsite baristas and cafe with daily lunch and breakfast
• Access to free onsite fitness center
• Commuter benefits

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.