Director, In Vivo Operations

Job Title: Director, In Vivo Operations          

Location: South San Francisco, CA  

Reports to: VP, Head of Operations

Full/Part-Time: Full time, on-site Monday-Friday

Regular/Temporary: Regular

 

About SonoThera: 

SonoThera is a venture capital-backed early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ultra-sound-guided non-viral targeted gene therapies to treat multiple diseases of high unmet need.  SonoThera uses a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to solving many of the current challenges facing genetic medicine discovery and drug development. SonoThera is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA. 

Job Summary

The Director, In Vivo Operations will lead and manage all aspects of in vivo research operations, ensuring high-quality execution of preclinical studies in compliance with regulatory and institutional standards. This individual will oversee a team of skilled in vivo technicians and partner closely with research scientists and project managers to support the company’s discovery and development programs.

• Oversee in vivo studies support
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of skilled in vivo technicians ensuring excellence in technical execution, training, and professional growth. Effectively allocate resources and balance workloads to ensure timely delivery of project milestones
• Oversee the design, coordination, and execution of in vivo studies in collaboration with Research and Portfolio Management
• Ensure proper documentation and storage of all training protocols, SOPs, and in vivo procedures
• Oversee in-house and outsourced rodent breeding programs, including vendor oversight, contract management, and licensing compliance
• Develop and implement chemical hygiene plans and EHS compliance across all relevant sites
• Evaluate and oversee the use of electronic documentation platforms for in-vivo operations to ensure efficiency and data integrity
• Champion a culture of safety, ethical animal use, and compliance with IACUC/AAALAC guidelines and institutional policies
• Potential to help manage CROs for outsourced studies (rodents and non human primates) and onboard/inspect new potential collaborators

What you will accomplish

• Oversee Animal Facility Operations
  Lead all aspects of in vivo operations, including animal facility management, scheduling, and execution of procedures. Ensure all in vivo activities are performed efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with facility protocols and regulatory standards
• Serve as the primary liaison between in vivo operations and other departments to ensure alignment on study needs and priorities
• Team Management and Oversight
  Assign work effectively to ensure balanced workloads and on-time delivery of key project goals. Review, approve, and ensure all work meets quality and compliance requirements
• Performance Management
  Set clear expectations for team members and communicate what success looks like. Provide continuous feedback and coaching to ensure individual and team accountability. Regularly review objectives to align individual performance with corporate and functional goals, adjusting priorities as needed
• Employee Development
  Support the professional growth and engagement of team members. Understand individual goals, strengths, and motivators to provide meaningful development opportunities. Conduct regular coaching conversations and create pathways for learning through on-the-job experiences, mentoring, and training
• Champion Sonothera’s Culture, Mission, Vision, and Values. Create an environment where team members thrive and embody Sonothera’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration Reinforce that “how” results are achieved are just as important as “what” is accomplished

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, or related field 
• Typically, 10+ years of relevant in vivo experience
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams in a research or pre-clinical setting is required
• Demonstrated experience overseeing vivarium operations, including daily facility management and coordination of in vivo activities required
• Comprehensive understanding of IACUC and AAALAC regulations, with hands-on experience preparing for and managing inspections and ensuring full compliance
• Experience with animal procurement processes and development or authorship of IACUC protocols required
• Experience managing husbandry operations, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and facility maintenance is required

Technical Requirements and Skills:

• Strong background and expertise in in vivo techniques and procedures is required
• Experience in interacting with CROs is preferred
• Understanding of gene therapy in vivo related procedures is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to train, supervise, and mentor technical staff in in vivo practices and compliance requirements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels and functions of the organization
• Experience in managing teams and collaborating cross-functionally across all research areas

Complexity and Problem Solving

• Exercises judgment and decision-making authority on day-to-day operational and technical matters related to in vivo research, animal welfare, and facility management
• Recognized as the internal SME on in vivo operations within the company
• Develops and innovates solutions to complex problems, ensuring alignment with organization objectives and compliance standards

 

Benefits:  

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package.  

At SonoThera, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.  

🏋🏻 Access to a 24-hour onsite gym  

💝 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision  

💰 Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company  

🚗 Commuting stipend based on your geographical location  

🏦 401(k) Match: SonoThera offers a company match  

🏝 All full-time employees are eligible for our flexible time off policy  

  

Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion  

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

 

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $185,000.00 to $238,500.00 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.