a16z Opportunistic Role
Summary
Build and ship frontier AI systems for biomedical research in a fast-moving startup, defining your own role while tackling high-impact problems across AI, biology, and infrastructure.
About Phylo
Phylo is an applied research lab building agentic intelligence to accelerate discovery for every biomedical scientist. We believe AI agents will fundamentally transform how biomedical research is done. Our fast-growing team brings together researchers and engineers across AI and biology, commercializing the Biomni platform.
Our growing team brings together world class researchers and engineers across AI and biology. Backed by a $13.5M seed round led by a16z, Menlo Ventures and Anthropic, and advised by Nobel Prize laureate and pioneering biologists, Phylo is building the next generation of AI systems for the life sciences.
About the Role
We don't always have the perfect role posted for every exceptional person - but we're always looking for them. If you're excited about applying frontier AI to real biomedical science and you don't see a title that fits, apply here to reach us!
Send us a short blurb on what you're best at and one thing you've built, shipped, or discovered - and share a link.
What You'll Work On:
Whatever you're exceptional at. We're a flat, fast-moving team, and the best people here define their own mandate rather than wait for one.
Real problems at the frontier of AI and biology - from the agent platform itself to the science, infrastructure, product, and commercial work that gets it into the hands of scientists.
End-to-end ownership. You'll pick things up unprompted, diagnose before you design, and see them through.
Requirements:
High agency: you handle things end-to-end and don't need a playbook handed to you.
AI-native: you use AI to multiply your output and have a strong instinct for where it's high-leverage.
Low-ego, can-do, and easy to work with.
A concrete track record of something you personally built, shipped, sold, or discovered. We care more about demonstrated ability than a particular credential.
Able to be in our South San Francisco office five days a week (some roles can be hybrid - tell us your constraints).
Nice to Haves:
Genuine interest in biology, drug discovery, or AI for science.
Startup or founding-team experience in an early, ambiguous, under-resourced environment.
Experience on AI-native teams that use coding agents and automation extensively.
Why Join Us?
Competitive salary and equity share in building the future of biomedical discovery
Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, including free therapy sessions and eyewear stipend
401(k) to help you build long-term financial security (US only)
Unlimited PTO to recharge when you need it (US only)
Lunch and snacks when you're in the office
Regular team offsites and company events
A culture of excellence and speed - we move fast, think big, and support each other every step of the way
Your work will directly impact our mission to 100X biomedical discoveries through AI