Investment Associate, Engineered Biology

Playground Global is a leading early-stage silicon valley deep tech VC with $1.2B AUM currently investing out of our third fund. The firm’s mission is to partner with exceptional founders building the next generation of category-defining companies. Areas of active investment include: next-gen compute, engineered biology, decarbonization (energy, materials science, agriculture), aerospace, robotics, and related frontier technologies.

Playground has assembled a world-class team of domain experts in venture investing, engineering, science, and startup operations.

We are currently seeking an associate to join the engineered biology investment team.

Responsibilities

• Work with Playground partners developing our engineered biology investment thesis
• Identify areas of potential investment opportunities with asymmetric advantage
• Source on-thesis engineered biology investment opportunities
• Cultivate relationships with leading academic labs and institutions
• Develop a network across the life science investing ecosystem
• Perform scientific, technical and business due diligence
• Partner deeply with portcos in order to provide advice and assistance
• Prepare briefing documents, financial models, returns analyses, investment memos, &c.
• Participate as an observer at portfolio company boards of directors meetings
• Attend select life science conferences
• Travel is required depending on deal flow / meetings

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Biochemistry or Chemistry (w/focus on bio problems)
• Significant [exposure to / facility with] ML, compute, data analysis
• Some [exposure to / acumen with] relevant investing frameworks, from e.g.,
  • Fellowship at a biotech or techbio VC
  • Participation in university investing club
  • Personal biotech equities trading experience
  • Employment in biotech [PE, VC, IB, hedge fund, consultancy, or advisory firm]
• Understanding of biotech pipeline construction landscape (targets, modalities, indications, TAs, &c.) and how these relate to stock prices, historical M&A patterns, IPO prospects, licensing deals, VC funding trends, etc
• Ability to closely parse clinical trial readouts and conference interim pipeline updates
• Exceptional decision-making instincts with a penchant for making informed high conviction bets
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Able to work 3+ days a week @ Playground’s Palo Alto HQ

The annual base salary range is $150,000 – $200,000. The base salary will depend on numerous factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. We offer a competitive performance bonus plan based on individual performance and company success.

At Playground, we’re committed to racial equity, social justice, and equal opportunity. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.