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

Are you tired of slow-moving bureaucracy and ready to break the status quo in healthcare? Vial is looking for a relentlessly ambitious policy associate who thrives on moving fast, cutting through red tape, and driving real change in drug development. If you're the type of person who sees obstacles as opportunities and can't stand "that's how we've always done it," keep reading.

You'll be shaping the future of drug development. Every policy brief you write, every stakeholder relationship you build, and every regulatory opportunity you identify brings us closer to a world where life-saving drugs reach patients faster and more affordably.

What You'll Actually Do

You'll be our policy disruptor. Working directly with senior leadership in our fast-growing Corporate Affairs team, you'll research, analyze, and craft strategies that accelerate lower-cost drug discovery. This isn't about maintaining the status quo—it's about fundamentally changing how drug development works in America.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

• Hunt down legislative and regulatory opportunities that others miss—you'll be our early warning system for policy changes that could transform drug development

• Turn complex policy data into actionable insights that drive executive decisions and protect Vial's mission

• Write policy briefs that actually get read—clear, compelling materials that cut through industry jargon and drive real change

• Build relationships with policymakers and industry leaders who can accelerate our vision for affordable, accessible drug development

• Execute cross-functional projects with Federal Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and External Affairs teams—you'll be the connective tissue that makes things happen fast

Who You Are

You're not looking for a typical policy or government affairs role. You want to build something from the ground up and see your work directly impact millions of patients waiting for affordable cures.

You Thrive When You Can:

• Move at startup speed—you implement ideas today, not next quarter

• Challenge conventional thinking—you question why things work the way they do and aren't afraid to propose better solutions

• Adapt quickly—when priorities shift (and they will), you pivot without missing a beat

• Take ownership—you see projects through from conception to completion without constant oversight

• Learn voraciously—healthcare policy is complex, but you dive deep and become the expert others turn to

What You Bring:

• 1-3 years of experience in policy research, government affairs, consulting, or any field where you've proven you can drive results

• Exceptional analytical and writing abilities—you can distill complex information into insights that move people to action

• Genuine passion for healthcare transformation—you understand that faster, cheaper drug development means saving lives

• Relentless work ethic and comfort with ambiguity—this is a startup, not a Fortune 500 company.
  

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.