5AM Fellowship - San Francisco, Spring 2025

As a 5AM Fellow at 5AM Ventures, your main responsibilities will include assisting with the review of scientific insights to develop an investment thesis, supporting detailed scientific diligence through research and discussions with academics, and contributing to the formation of new biotech companies with a clear focus on scientific strategy.

To apply for the 5AM Fellowship at 5AM Ventures, you should have a strong scientific or medical background, such as being an MD, a PhD student, or a clinical fellow. It’s essential to demonstrate a keen interest in life science innovation and have established connections in the San Francisco biotech ecosystem.

The 5AM Fellowship at 5AM Ventures requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week over a period of six months, from March to August 2025. The schedule is flexible to accommodate other commitments you may have.

The 5AM Fellowship at 5AM Ventures is designed to foster your career growth by providing critical exposure to venture capital and biotech company formation. Past fellows have successfully transitioned to full-time roles in venture capital, business development, and healthcare consulting, demonstrating that this fellowship can be a significant stepping stone in your career.

To apply for the 5AM Fellowship at 5AM Ventures, you must submit a CV, a one-page cover letter, and a short paragraph answering a question about your favorite journal article you've recently read. Make sure your application highlights your passion and fit for the role!

When answering this question, focus on your passion for life sciences and how 5AM Ventures’ mission aligns with your career goals. Mention specific experiences that drew your interest to venture capital or biotech and how being a Fellow can further your aspirations.

Use this opportunity to showcase your research skills. Discuss a specific project, your research methodology, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight what you learned and how that experience prepared you for the tasks at 5AM Ventures.

Discuss specific instances where teamwork was essential. Mention the roles you played, how you communicate, resolve conflicts, and support your teammates. Emphasize that you value diverse perspectives and believe in leveraging strengths for common goals.

Articulate both hard and soft skills needed in venture capital, such as analytical thinking, effective communication, networking, and a deep understanding of scientific concepts. Relate these skills back to your own experiences and how you’ll apply them as a Fellow at 5AM Ventures.

Share the resources you use, such as industry news websites, academic journals, and networking events. Mention that you engage with industry experts and communities which helps broaden your insights and keeps you informed of trends in biotechnology.

Choose a relevant scientific advancement and explain its impact on the industry or patient care. Highlight your understanding of the breakthrough and relate it back to potential investment opportunities or the work done at 5AM Ventures.

Identify current challenges, like regulatory hurdles, funding access, or market competition. Discuss how these issues might impact the work at 5AM Ventures and formulate ideas on how to address them as a Fellow.

Explain your evaluation criteria covering scientific validity, market potential, team capabilities, and compatibility with 5AM Ventures’ mission. Take time to detail the structure of your assessment process, demonstrating critical thinking.

Discuss the importance of scientific validation as a foundation for investment decisions and venture formation. Emphasize that a robust scientific backing mitigates risks and ultimately leads to successful outcomes in the healthcare sector.

Highlight how diverse teams lead to innovative solutions and broader perspectives in problem-solving. Share examples or studies that have shown how diversity enhances creativity and effectiveness, particularly important in the evolving biotech landscape.