Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We are looking for a highly organized and self-motivated person to support our CEO, Joe Betts-LaCroix. In this role, you will be a partner to joe and work closely with him in the day-to-day to act as a force multiplier; managing his office, streamlining communication and decision-making processes, and optimizing his workflows. You will also manage both internal and external relationships. The idea behind this role is that you will work your butt off for a couple of years, learn a ton about startup leadership and biotech entrepreneurship, and then graduate into an exciting and larger role elsewhere.
You:
You love to work and have excellent operational talents: solid judgment, direct and clear communication skills, and the ability to balance complex projects, almost certainly with a scientific background. You embody the “humble, hungry, and smart” mentality and want to apply your skills and experience to enabling operations, strategy, and management in a fast-paced startup. This position would be perfect for a recent MBA graduate with a couple years of solid industry experience or a business consultant/analyst who is interested in working closely with and learning from biotech leadership at an executive level.
In this role you will:
- Be joe’s “eyes and ears”, ensuring he has the information needed to make important decisions, and that information travels from joe and the leadership team to relevant parts of the organization.
- Own high-priority meetings: e.g., structuring the agenda and attendee lists, scoping and reviewing meeting materials, taking notes, and following up on post-meeting tasks.
- Optimize joe’s calendar and prioritize requests and projects to maximize efficiency and protect “focus time” for strategic work.
- Prepare slide decks, reports, and other materials for internal and external audiences; help joe prepare for presentations and speaking engagements.
- Collaborate closely with joe to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the company's goals and objectives, including working closely with team leads to follow and support progress.
- Act as liaison between joe and internal employees, external partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication and proactive surfacing of “blockers”.
- Conduct research and analysis on emerging trends, technologies, and market opportunities in the aging and longevity domains.
- Work closely with joe and legal counsel to support Retro’s IP strategy and prepare initial versions of legal documents. Take over some of joe’s role in partnership contracts.
- Lead special strategic projects and initiatives at joe’s directive.
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Are excited to be a true partner to joe - this is not a “9-5” partnership. We’re seeking someone who wants to work with joe when he works.
- Are comfortable with being a gatekeeper when necessary - there is only one joe and it’s important to protect his time.
- Have experience in research or biotech organizations and the ability to grasp technical scientific concepts with breathtaking speed.
- Are extraordinarily execution-oriented and have a bias towards action and iteration.
- Have experience quickly synthesizing and analyzing information, identifying opportunities and risks, and providing recommendations.
- Have experience working cross-functionally with highly-technical, scientific people.
- Have 4+ years of hands-on project management experience with the ability to manage complexity and drive results.
- Are deeply motivated by our mission and believe Retro can fundamentally improve the human condition.