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Associate, San Francisco

We bring leadership in venture capital investing and venture creation: Founded in 2002, we are an early-stage biotech venture firm leveraging both venture creation and venture capital to bring new medicines to patients. We lead syndicated Seed and Series A investments in early-stage therapeutics companies, and our 4:59 Initiative founds new biotech companies around scientific breakthroughs. We have offices in San Francisco, CA, Boston, MA, and New York, NY and approximately $1.26B in regulatory assets under management.


Bringing new medicines to patients is our North Star: Companies that we have built and/or invested in have achieved 20 regulatory approvals to date. We build companies to transform patients’ lives.


Hands-on approach: Beyond leading investments and contributing as board members of many of our portfolio companies, our team is directly involved in strategy, management recruiting, business development, fundraising, and/or other operating roles in such companies.


Your Role
  • We have identified the need to add a new Associate on our Investment Team. In this role you will help assist with new company building, sourcing of new investments, and support existing 5AM portfolio companies. Initially, the successful candidate will spend a majority of their time working with a 5AM Venture Partner to identify promising clinical-stage and peri-clinical assets for investment. The position will be based in San Francisco and report to a 5AM Principal.

  • We believe in the strength of our in-office culture, and the expectation is that you will be in the San Francisco office regularly.

You can expect to be involved in:
  • Identifying new investment areas and opportunities through networking and meeting with entrepreneurs, academics and other investors.
  • Performing due diligence, including primary scientific assessment and evaluation of opportunities and ideas being evaluated within 5AM Ventures.
  • Participating in formulation of term sheets and closing of financings, modeling of capitalization tables, and composing investment memoranda.
  • Discussing, evaluating, and presenting new investment opportunities within a flat structure in weekly investment team meetings.
  • Supporting portfolio companies, including working with portfolio company management teams to provide strategic direction and operational support on an as needed basis.
  • Assisting the broader 5AM Investment team with special projects, including generating presentation materials for 5AM offsite discussions and investor relations.


Your Background
  • You’ve spent around 2 to 4 years gaining industry experience with direct exposure to deal-making (e.g., biotech/pharma business development, investing, or investment banking).
  • You earned your MD or PhD in a scientific discipline; MBA or similar qualifications are helpful but not required.
  • You are resourceful and you are a doer. There is no job too big or too small, and you have a “roll up your sleeves” approach to your work.
  • When faced with a task that you’ve not done before, your first instinct is to ask the right questions, seek answers or context independently, and dive in headfirst. You are not scared to try and fail but usually put in enough effort to fail infrequently.
  • Your colleagues would describe you as an open and articulate communicator.
  • You put a premium on building relationships and have exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • You have excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and enjoy using those skills to solve complex problems. Detail oriented is an understatement.
  • When it comes to financial modeling and business presentations, you have fluency and facility to execute.
  • Last but not least, you bring a strong passion for investing and biotech with a basic knowledge of the healthcare industry.


$150,000 - $210,000 a year
We evaluate a variety of factors in determining individual pay decisions, which may include relevant education, experience, and skills; internal equity; complexity and responsibility of the role; and market demand relative to the position.

Benefits
Cash compensation package that includes exempt salary, annual bonus, and potential for long-term incentive compensation commensurate with role.
401(k) retirement savings plan with white-glove advisory services and an array of managed fund options in addition to a self-directed Charles Schwab personal choice retirement account and eligibility to receive profit sharing.
At least 11 paid holidays per year and open/flexible PTO plan.
Paid medical and parental leave of absence.
Top tier health insurance plan offerings through Blue Shield; 100% company-paid premium for employees and their dependents; subsidized health savings account.
Other wellness benefits such as One Medical membership, annual gym/wellness reimbursement, and reimbursement for internet and cell phone.
Giving Back program that includes employee-directed donations.
Escalating career growth via challenge and self-created opportunity.

We believe in building balanced teams. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.


Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies and external recruiters. No fees will be paid for such submissions.

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What You Should Know About Associate, San Francisco, 5AM Ventures

As an Associate at 5AM Ventures in San Francisco, you'll dive into the exciting world of biotech investment and venture creation, helping us advance our mission to bring new medicines to patients. Founded in 2002, we are a leading early-stage biotech venture firm that integrates venture capital with company building. Your role is pivotal, supporting our investment team in sourcing new opportunities and assisting existing portfolio companies. You'll be teaming up closely with a 5AM Venture Partner to focus on clinical-stage assets, conducting due diligence, and evaluating innovative ideas. We believe in hands-on involvement, so you'll also play a key part in crafting term sheets, modeling capitalization tables, and creating investment memoranda. Each week, you'll share insights during our flat structure team meetings, contributing to dynamic discussions about potential investments. You should expect to frequently engage with entrepreneurs, academics, and industry peers, all while being based out of our vibrant San Francisco office. At 5AM Ventures, we're dedicated to building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment where your curiosity and resourcefulness will thrive. If you're passionate about biotech and want to make a real difference in patients' lives through strategic investments, this role is for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate, San Francisco Role at 5AM Ventures
What are the primary responsibilities of an Associate at 5AM Ventures in San Francisco?

As an Associate at 5AM Ventures in San Francisco, your main responsibilities include sourcing new biotech investments, assisting in the creation of new companies, conducting due diligence on clinical-stage assets, and providing operational support to our portfolio companies. You'll also be involved in generating term sheets and presenting investment opportunities during weekly investment team meetings.

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What qualifications are required for the Associate position at 5AM Ventures?

To qualify for the Associate position at 5AM Ventures, you should have 2 to 4 years of industry experience in biotech or pharma with direct exposure to deal-making. A PhD or MD in a scientific discipline is essential, while an MBA can be beneficial. Excellent analytical and communication skills, coupled with a passion for biotech investing, are crucial for this role.

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How does the Associate at 5AM Ventures contribute to portfolio companies?

The Associate at 5AM Ventures contributes to portfolio companies by providing strategic direction and operational support. This includes engaging with management teams, helping solve complex problems, and leveraging your analytical skills to guide decision-making processes, ensuring our investments are well-supported as they grow and evolve.

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What kind of training or development can Associates expect at 5AM Ventures?

At 5AM Ventures, we prioritize professional growth and development for our Associates. You'll receive training through hands-on experience, mentorship from senior team members, and engaging in special projects that deepen your knowledge in venture capital and biotech. Regular feedback and opportunities for challenge will spur your career growth.

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What is the work culture like at 5AM Ventures in San Francisco?

The work culture at 5AM Ventures in San Francisco is collaborative and dynamic. We foster an open environment where communication is encouraged, and team members are valued for their contributions. A strong emphasis is placed on building relationships, and we support each other to create impactful investments that transform patients’ lives.

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Common Interview Questions for Associate, San Francisco
Can you describe your experience with financial modeling as an Associate?

When discussing your financial modeling experience, focus on specific projects where you successfully built models that informed strategic decisions. Highlight your analytical skills and any software you're proficient with, illustrating your ability to interpret complex data and present actionable insights.

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How do you approach due diligence in investment opportunities?

In answering this question, emphasize your systematic approach to due diligence by outlining how you assess scientific, operational, and market factors. Discuss the importance of evaluating both qualitative and quantitative data, plus how collaboration with your team and subject matter experts enhances your analysis.

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What strategies do you use to identify new investment areas in biotech?

Discuss your networking efforts as well as research methods that keep you informed about the latest scientific advancements and market trends. Highlight your ability to connect with industry leaders, attend conferences, and leverage data to uncover promising investment opportunities.

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Describe a time you had to present a complex idea to a non-expert audience.

Share an example showcasing your ability to simplify complex concepts. Explain how you focused on clarity, used visual aids, and engaged your audience to ensure understanding. Emphasize the importance of communicating effectively in a field like biotech where technical knowledge can vary widely.

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What excites you about working in venture capital and biotech?

Articulate your passion for the potential of biotechnology to change lives and how venture capital plays a critical role in nurturing innovations. Share your personal motivations, experiences, or events that inspired your interest in investing within the biotech sector.

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How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague during investment discussions?

Advise on the necessity of open communication and diplomacy when disagreements arise. Talk about valuing different perspectives, emphasizing collaboration, and focusing on shared goals to navigate disputes professionally.

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What skills do you think are most essential for success as an Associate in this role?

Highlight skills like analytical thinking, effective communication, relationship-building, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Stress the importance of adaptability in a fast-paced biotech environment where you must quickly learn and pivot as needed.

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How do you stay current with trends and developments in the biotech industry?

Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning through industry publications, news sources, attending seminars or conferences, and engaging with professionals in the field. Highlight any specific resources you trust to keep you informed.

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Give an example of a successful investment you were involved with and your role.

Provide specific details regarding your contributions to a successful investment story. Discuss your involvement in due diligence, perhaps structuring the deal, or working with management post-investment to ensure operational success.

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What does your ideal working environment look like as an Associate?

Tailor your answer to describe a collaborative, innovative, and dynamic workplace where you can share ideas freely and work closely with thoughtful colleagues. Emphasize how supportive environments foster creativity and productivity in areas like biotech investment.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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