Vice President, Trial Engine
Posted on January 21, 2026 (about 5 hours ago)
About Formation Bio
Formation Bio is a tech and AI driven pharma company differentiated by radically more efficient drug development. Founded in 2016 as TrialSpark Inc., Formation Bio has built technology platforms, processes, and capabilities to accelerate drug development and clinical trials. The company partners, acquires, or in-licenses drugs to develop programs past clinical proof of concept and beyond, helping bring new medicines to patients. Formation Bio is backed by investors including a16z, Sequoia, Sanofi, Thrive Capital, Sam Altman, John Doerr, Spark Capital, and others.
You can read more on the company website about their vision for AI in pharma, current drug portfolio, and technology platform.
About the Position
As Vice President of Trial Engine, you are the accountable leader for how Formation Bio executes clinical trials across the portfolio. This role is responsible for scaling and strengthening an existing trial execution and data platform to deliver speed, cost efficiency, and quality predictably. You will run and continuously improve a trial execution engine, optimize planning and execution across trials, and drive iteration and improvement across the delivery approach.
This is an outcomes-oriented, velocity-obsessed, player + coach + builder role. You will lead multiple functions, serve as a trial team leader on designated programs, and partner closely with Development, Translational, Technology, Business Operations & Strategy, and Quality teams to build capabilities, including AI-enabled systems.
Responsibilities
Own and drive trial outcomes and end-to-end trial execution across the portfolio with direct accountability for delivery against asset and portfolio value inflection goals.
- Serve as trial team leader on designated programs, setting execution pace and ensuring learnings are shared and implemented across the portfolio.
Lead multiple Trial Engine enablement teams and develop leaders across Clinical Trial Management & Operations, Site Feasibility & Operations, and Clinical Data Management & Analytics.
- Generate operational alpha through the pace you set, the systems and technology you deploy, and the people you develop and hire.
- Build high-performing teams that scale impact without corresponding headcount.
Evolve the trial delivery operating model by collaborating cross-functionally to refine a flexible, scalable trial execution model, improving execution rhythms and decision frameworks, and replacing legacy processes with AI-enabled workflows and systems designed to deliver outcomes.
Partner cross-functionally with Asset General Managers, Clinical and Operations leaders, Development and Business Operations teams, and Tech partners to operationalize automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making across trial workflows.
About You
We seek an outcome-driven leader who embeds AI and automation into culture and workflows, is a generalist with range, structured and decisive, comfortable in ambiguity, and strategically grounded with tactical depth. You must be able to connect high-level vision to practical action and operate comfortably at both levels.
- Outcome-Driven: optimize for value creation.
- AI-Native: embed AI and automation into team culture, workflows, and decision-making.
- Generalist with Range: flex across disciplines and know when to pull in experts.
- Structured & Decisive: sharp prioritization and disciplined execution.
- Comfortable in Ambiguity and adept at simplifying complexity.
Signals you are a good fit include a track record of delivering speed, cost, and quality simultaneously; high hiring standards; productive impatience with unnecessary friction; self-awareness; and a sense of humor.
Location & Work Model
Formation Bio is prioritizing hiring in key hubs, primarily the New York City and Boston metro areas. These positions follow a hybrid work model with 1–3 days required in the office. Applicants from the Research Triangle (NC) and San Francisco Bay Area may also be considered. Applicants should reside in these locations or be willing to relocate.
Compensation
The target salary range for this role is: $333,000 – $370,000. Salary ranges are informed by factors including geographic location and include base salary only. In addition to base salary, Formation Bio offers equity, comprehensive benefits, generous perks, hybrid flexibility, and more.
How to Apply
Please apply using Formation Bio's Greenhouse job listing.
Application Link
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/formationbio/jobs/7472178