Head, Research

Calicolabs

South San Francisco, CA permanent

Posted: August 7, 2025

Quick Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced researcher to join our team in San Francisco, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aging biology and a proven track record of success in leading research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of researchers and contributing to the development of innovative interventions to increase human lifespan.

Job Description

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Research to lead our early discovery research group of talented Principal Investigators and their laboratory teams. This role will be critical in developing research strategies, evaluating research progress, and advancing our early stage drug discovery pipeline for improving healthspan by developing new therapeutics for aging and aging-related diseases. We seek expertise in applying cutting-edge biochemical, molecular, and cell biological techniques, including microscopic and "omics" technologies, to unlock the complexities of aging physiology. Experience in moving projects from early discovery research to translational drug development will be important.

Join our collaborative, cross-functional environment at the forefront of aging research, work alongside world-class technology labs, lead ambitious research projects that transform our understanding of aging, and develop innovative therapeutics for aging and aging-related diseases.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a group of Principal Investigators with ambitious research programs

• Lead an independent research effort aimed at gaining valuable insights into aging biology

• Provide scientific direction, including clinical and biological insights, for a broad range of translational projects

• Recruit top talent with aging research as a key focus

• Join Calico’s Scientific Review Committee and other leadership functions

• Contribute substantively, through leadership and research, to Calico’s ambitious research efforts to understand the fundamental biology of human aging and discover mechanisms that contribute to human longevity, as a basis for devising interventions

Position Requirements:

• MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degrees in molecular and cellular biology, immunology, neurobiology, structural biology, or related fields with 15 or more years of postdoctoral and/or industry experience in the area of drug development and/or basic biomedical research, especially in aging or aging-related diseases

• Rising or proven leader in academia or industry

• Creative and critical thinking skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written

• Success in managing and mentoring other scientists and research programs

• Strong record of creative scientific achievements as evidenced by impactful publications, patents (or applications), and national or international recognition

• Technical expertise in technologies related to basic or translational biomedical research

• Must be willing to work onsite five days a week, except for conferences or off-site work-related meetings

The estimated base salary range for this role is $314,000 - $360,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

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