VC Partner @ CZI in Redwood City, CA

The Opportunity

Through its Ventures team, CZI invests in innovative companies around the world that are developing ground‑breaking solutions to the issues at the heart of our mission while building scalable, sustainable businesses. While we started our work in education and climate, Ventures has turned our attention and priority over the past year to science, where we have made some initial investments. Our goal with investments, and eventually strategic partnerships, is to align closely with and accelerate our broader work in science.

As a Partner focused on life science, you will play a critical role in helping to shape and execute our impact investment strategy and portfolio in life sciences, as well as our nascent business development efforts.

You will help lead our efforts (a) identifying and advancing scientific innovations emerging from our Science programs and Biohubs with the potential to drive meaningful impact through investment, (b) identifying and investing in companies that fill critical data, research or technology gaps that will help us achieve our goals in Science, and (c) developing strategic partnerships with companies to help us advance our Science mission. As a senior investment leader, you will also bring expertise in managing the life cycle of investments, including sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, structuring and executing investments. This role will require strengths in business analysis, market assessment, financial diligence and valuation, deal negotiations and structuring, intellectual property and legal risk evaluation, and deal execution.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage strategic early‑stage investments in scientific innovations, including investments emerging from our various Biohubs as well as strategic program investments aligned with the CZ Science ecosystem’s mission.
• Oversee strategic partnerships and business development opportunities that accelerate the work of our Science ecosystem.
• Conduct rigorous scientific diligence on potential investment opportunities, evaluating the science, the technologies with the support of our extensive research and scientific network; as well as evaluating leadership, business models, and market potential.
• Engage with entrepreneurs, founders, and partners to foster relationships and identify high‑impact opportunities that align with our initiatives.
• Provide board‑level guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies, offering strategic insights on commercialization, growth strategies, and scaling innovations.
• Launch our strategic partnership efforts within science so we can evaluate when an investment or business development is the right tool to use.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including scientists, program officers, and tech leaders, to ensure investments contribute to CZI’s broader scientific and philanthropic initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• PhD in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in scientific research, commercialization, and business strategy.
• 12+ years of experience in life sciences, with at least 8 years in entrepreneurship, corporate development, business development, strategic partnerships, commercialization, or investing.
• Strong scientific acumen, with the ability to assess breakthrough discoveries and form independent, informed opinions on scientific and technological advancements.
• Proven ability to bridge science and business, with experience in evaluating scientific innovations, structuring partnerships, and driving commercialization strategies.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across academia, industry, and investment communities to build strong relationships and advance strategic initiatives.
• While prior investment or venture experience is a strong plus, it is not required—we are looking for a scientific leader who may bring investment and deal making expertise from other business and commercial experiences to shape investment decisions and drive impact.

Compensation

The Redwood City, CA base pay range for this role is 432,000 – 648,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job‑related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.

Benefits For The Whole You

• CZI provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Annual benefit for employees that can be used most meaningfully for them and their families, such as housing, student loan repayment, childcare, commuter costs, or other life needs.
• CZI Life of Service Gifts are awarded to employees to “live the mission” and support the causes closest to them.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
• Funding for select family‑forming benefits.
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving to the Bay Area.
• And more!

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