Human Resources Business Partner (SF Bay Area)

South San Francisco, CA

Vilya is a computational biotechnology company creating a novel class of medicines to precisely target disease biology. We believe computational approaches are an integral, if not foundational, component of drug discovery and development. Our platform is built on ground-breaking research in advanced computational approaches and taps into uncharted chemical space to design new molecular structures not found in nature.

Our molecules open the door to a brand-new class of medicine with enhanced drug-like properties. We are harnessing the power of our platform to go after previously impossible targets in an array of indications. Vilya’s ultimate goal is to solve some of the most challenging unmet medical needs that exist today.

Our Vision: Harness a revolution in technology and biology to better human health

Our Mission: Build an independent, leading biotech company founded on intelligent drug design to cure the incurable 

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and adaptable HR Business Partner to support our growing team in San Francisco and Seattle. You will manage our full employee life-cycle, including onboarding, internal operations and employee experience, and you will play a critical role in helping us to create a high-performing employee culture where employees are engaged and fulfilled in their roles and working together to achieve our mission. 

You will be joining a biotech startup that has long-term stability due to significant funding, but whose drug discovery and development organization is very much in formation. A lot can change in this early and exciting phase, providing many opportunities for significant impact. You will work closely with a very talented team, learn a broad range of skills, and help shape Vilya’s culture, strategic direction, and outcomes. Join us and help make a difference to patients!

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Serve as a strategic partner to the Vilya Senior Leadership Team on all people-related matters including organizational development, change management, and interpersonal dynamics within the company, with a focus on supporting the company's mission and goals.
  • Provide strategic advice to the executive team Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that comply with regulatory requirements specific to the biotech industry, including health and safety protocols,  intellectual property protection, and data security.
  • Manage and administer employee benefits programs in partnership with the company’s external benefits broker.
  • Manage the Company’s Human Resources Information System (Vilya is currently using Rippling) and ensure employee data is accurate and up to date. 
  • Prepare and send offer letters for new employees, and manage the employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
  • Work closely with the Company’s finance team on issues related to payroll, hiring, and benefits.
  • Manage employee relations issues with discretion and sensitivity, addressing concerns such as lab safety, research integrity, and professional conduct.
  • Support recruitment efforts for critical roles, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding highly specialized talent, while ensuring a fit with the company's culture and values.
  • Provide immigration support for employees, including working with external legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Design and deliver training programs tailored to the needs of a biotech workforce, covering topics such as lab safety, regulatory compliance, and management training.
  • Oversee performance management processes, ensuring they are aligned with the company's strategic objectives and promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
  • Advise on compensation and benefits strategies that are competitive within the biotech industry, helping to attract and retain top talent.
  • Facilitate change management initiatives as the company grows and evolves, helping staff adapt to new technologies, processes, and organizational structures.
  • Act as a liaison between employees and management, fostering open communication and addressing any misalignments with the company's strategic goals.
  • Champion and integrate the Vilya values across the organization
  • Additional responsibilities as needed in a growing organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP or PHR) preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years in an HR Business Partner or HR Generalist role, ideally within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
  • Strong understanding of employment law, compliance issues, and industry-specific regulations affecting the biotech sector. (Preference for experience in WA and CA)
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of staff and management.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing recruitment, employee relations, and performance management in a technically complex and innovative environment.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capability to develop strategic solutions to complex HR issues.
  • Flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of a small, fast-paced biotech company.

BENEFITS:

  • Opportunity to work in a disruptive startup with a talented, experienced, and growing team of dedicated individuals
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
  • Stock Options
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Open, flexible vacation policy
  • Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Access to onsite fitness center
  • Commuter benefits
  • Salary Range:  $110,000 - $150,000