Head of Policy

Who We Are

Vial is a hyper-scalable biotech company advancing programs into the clinic by leveraging dramatically cheaper trials and computationally designed therapeutics.

Our mission is to reimagine drug development in order to cure all human diseases. We have assembled a talented team of clinical operators, chemists, and innovative thinkers to achieve this vision.

Vial is based in San Francisco, California, and was founded by Simon Burns in October 2020. Since our founding, we have grown rapidly to a team of 100+ employees with over $100 million in funding from leading investors including General Catalyst, Box Group, and Byers Capital.

Vial is rebuilding the infrastructure to advance research. By deploying technology at every step, we are creating a more efficient future for drug discovery.

Position Overview

Vial’s Head of Policy will design and drive policy strategies that fulfill our core mission to accelerate lower-cost drug discovery and cures. Reporting directly to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, this leader ensures Vial remains at the forefront of a more efficient, equitable, and globally competitive U.S. drug development ecosystem. Working in a dynamic startup environment, you will proactively identify trends, craft advocacy initiatives, and build new policy functions that influence key stakeholders and drive meaningful impact.

What You’ll Do

• Policy Strategy & Development
• Develop a comprehensive policy roadmap aimed at facilitating affordable, innovative drug development.
• Anticipate and respond to emerging legislation, regulations, and industry changes that affect Vial’s growth and mission.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Launch and expand internal policy functions to support Vial’s strategic positioning in the marketplace.
• Collaborate across teams to embed policy considerations into product development, research, and commercial plans.
• Advocacy & Thought Leadership
• Engage with policymakers, think tanks, and advocacy groups to champion policies that reduce drug discovery costs and accelerate cures.
• Produce policy briefs and position statements aligning with Vial’s vision of a globally competitive U.S. drug development ecosystem.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Federal Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and External Affairs to ensure unified advocacy efforts.
• Offer strategic insights to senior leadership on policy risks, opportunities, and best practices.
  

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in health policy, government affairs, or advocacy, ideally within life sciences or healthcare.
• Proven record of influencing policy outcomes that contribute to lowering costs and improving drug development timelines.
• Ability to thrive in a high-growth startup environment, building new capabilities from the ground up.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills.
  
  

Why You’ll Love Working At Vial

Innate curiosity.

At our core, we embody an insatiable curiosity. Our journey into the realm of clinical trials was ignited by a firsthand understanding of the challenges involved. This innate curiosity drives us to constantly innovate, seek fresh ideas, and bring our vision of reimagining clinical trials to life.

Fostering autonomy.

Autonomy is our guiding principle. We firmly believe that when team members are entrusted with autonomy, they unleash their true potential. Our culture fosters an environment where each individual takes ownership of their domain, empowering them to make a profound impact.

The pursuit of mastery.

We are dedicated to cultivating mastery. We understand the value of honing expertise in a craft. The pursuit of mastery, coupled with a deep sense of pride in one's workmanship, fuels our unwavering commitment to tackle intricate challenges. At Vial, we foster a culture of highly autonomous professionals, each an expert in their field, collaborating on an immensely demanding endeavor together.

Move fast, stay humble.

Our strength lies in agility and humility. We firmly believe that intellectual honesty and a nimble mindset are the pillars of success. By staying adaptable and open-minded to all solutions, we tackle obstacles head-on, remaining humble in the face of adversity. This enables us to surmount the hurdles that confront us at every twist and turn.

Benefits

• Competitive Equity Compensation
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Savings Plan with Company Matching after 90 Days of Employment
• One time, Remote Office Setup Stipend
• Paid Parental Leave
• Remote-First, Flexible Work Schedule
• Observed US & Canada Holidays
• Unlimited Vacation
  
  

We prioritize candidate safety. Please be aware that official communication will only be sent from '@vial.com' or ''@tryvial.careers' addresses. Vial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.