Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate Director, Regulatory Operations and Intelligence
at Recursion
🏢 About Recursion
Recursion is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a unique approach to drug discovery by combining automated experimental biology with advanced AI to decode biology and industrialize drug discovery. They stand out for their tech-forward, data-centric philosophy, treating biology as an information science. A candidate might want to work here to be at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, data science, and regulatory strategy in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
About This Role
This Associate Director role is a hybrid strategic-operational position, responsible for both the hands-on publishing/quality control of regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs/CTAs) and for building/leading the regulatory intelligence function. It's impactful because it ensures the quality and compliance of critical submissions that advance Recursion's AI-discovered drug pipeline while also shaping the company's regulatory strategy through proactive intelligence gathering and analysis.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning spent using Lorenzo to format and perform final quality checks on a pre-IND meeting package for an oncology program, followed by a cross-functional meeting with Regulatory Leads to align on submission timelines. The afternoon could be dedicated to analyzing recent FDA draft guidance on AI in drug development, summarizing key implications for Recursion's platform, and updating the internal intelligence database before archiving a recently approved submission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Recursion Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years in regulatory publishing with deep, hands-on expertise in systems like Lorenzo, specifically for FDA drug submissions (INDs, etc.), not just general document management.
- Possesses proven experience (5+ years) in not just using, but strategically implementing and enhancing regulatory intelligence tools and processes (e.g., Cortellis, PinkSheets) to inform business decisions.
- Is a detail-oriented 'doer' who can format, publish, and perform critical QC on documents, but also a strategic thinker who can independently analyze global regulations and communicate implications clearly to cross-functional teams.
- Thrives in a tech-driven, fast-paced environment and is comfortable with the iterative, data-rich nature of a company like Recursion that industrializes discovery.
📝 Tips for Applying to Recursion
Explicitly quantify your experience with Lorenzo and other publishing systems in years, and list specific submission types you've handled (e.g., 'published 3 INDs to FDA using Lorenzo').
Detail a specific example of how you set up or significantly improved a regulatory intelligence function—what tools you selected, how you disseminated insights, and one strategic decision it informed.
Tailor your resume to show the blend of operational publishing and strategic intelligence; use separate bullet points for 'Submission Publishing' and 'Regulatory Intelligence & Strategy'.
Research and mention Recursion's pipeline (e.g., RX-3117, REC-4881) to show you understand the specific therapeutic contexts your submissions will support.
Highlight any experience with AI, data science, or tech-forward environments, as this aligns with Recursion's core identity, even if tangential to regulatory ops.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your proven ability to bridge hands-on publishing excellence (citing Lorenzo and FDA submission experience) with high-level intelligence strategy.', "A specific achievement where your regulatory intelligence analysis directly influenced a program's development strategy or timeline.", "Why Recursion's AI-driven, data-intensive approach to drug discovery excites you and how your skills in systematizing information (via publishing and intelligence) align with it.", 'Your experience in quality control and process enhancement, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced setting.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Recursion's pipeline and clinical-stage programs (from their website/SEC filings) to understand the specific drugs you'd be filing for.
- → Their 'Recursion Operating System' and how they use AI/automation in biology, to speak knowledgeably about the company's core tech.
- → Recent news on their regulatory milestones (e.g., any recent IND acceptances, orphan drug designations) to show informed interest.
- → The backgrounds of their leadership team, especially in R&D and tech, to understand the company culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting experience that is only in regulatory affairs strategy without concrete, hands-on publishing/system expertise—this role requires both.
- Using generic language about 'attention to detail' or 'regulatory knowledge' without providing specific metrics, systems, or submission examples.
- Failing to demonstrate an understanding of Recursion's unique model; treating it like a traditional pharma company in your application or interview answers.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!