Application Guide
How to Apply for Expression of Interest: Operations Roles
at SecureBio
🏢 About SecureBio
SecureBio is a unique biosecurity nonprofit focused on preventing catastrophic pandemics through cutting-edge projects like SecureDNA, the Nucleic Acid Observatory, and AIxBio. Unlike typical biotech companies, they bridge technology development with policy to address both natural and engineered biological threats. Working here means contributing directly to global health security alongside leading experts in a mission-driven environment.
About This Role
This operations role involves building and refining systems to support SecureBio's growing programs across diverse operational domains, from process improvement to project management. You'll be a generalist enabling teams tackling critical biosecurity challenges, with potential progression to Specialist, Associate, or Manager levels. The impact lies in ensuring organizational efficiency so technical experts can focus on developing pandemic prevention technologies.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with AIxBio researchers to streamline their project workflows, analyzing operational processes for the Nucleic Acid Observatory, and collaborating with finance on nonprofit compliance. You'll switch between hands-on problem-solving and strategic planning to keep SecureBio's pioneering work running smoothly.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who SecureBio Is Looking For
- Mission-driven generalist excited about biosecurity and pandemic prevention, not just operations
- Adaptable problem-solver comfortable working across multiple domains (processes, projects, team support)
- Experience in nonprofit or tech-adjacent operations, with interest in biotech/biosecurity
- Willing to work in-person in Cambridge, MA, and thrive in a growing, pioneering organization
📝 Tips for Applying to SecureBio
Explicitly connect your operational experience to mission alignment—explain why you care about biosecurity in your expression of interest
Highlight examples where you improved processes or supported teams in fast-growing organizations, especially in tech or science contexts
Research SecureBio's three projects (SecureDNA, Nucleic Acid Observatory, AIxBio) and mention which operational challenges interest you
Since this is an expression of interest for future openings, demonstrate long-term interest in operations roles at SecureBio
Tailor your compensation expectations to the $90K-$135K range, emphasizing value for exceptional candidates as stated
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for SecureBio's mission to secure against catastrophic biological risks", 'Specific examples of operational work in growing organizations, especially supporting technical teams', 'How your generalist skills can adapt to diverse operational domains mentioned', "Why you're interested in Cambridge, MA, location and in-person collaboration"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → SecureBio's three core projects and their operational needs (SecureDNA, Nucleic Acid Observatory, AIxBio)
- → Recent biosecurity policy developments and how nonprofits like SecureBio contribute
- → The organization's collaborators (academia, industry, government) mentioned in the description
- → Cambridge, MA biotech/nonprofit ecosystem and how SecureBio fits
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic operations experience without connection to mission-driven or tech/science organizations
- Focusing solely on compensation without demonstrating mission alignment
- Expressing preference for remote work when role requires in-person Cambridge location
📅 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!