Executive Assistant

About the Company

Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on building therapies through its proprietary lysosomal targeting chimera (LYTAC) platform. The company develops medicines designed to break down extracellular and membrane-bound proteins linked to hard-to-treat illnesses, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2019 in partnership with academic founder and Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi, Ph.D., Lycia is based in South San Francisco. In May 2024, the company raised $106.6 million in Series C funding to move its extracellular protein degrader pipeline toward clinical development.

Role Overview

Lycia Therapeutics is hiring a seasoned and highly organized Executive Assistant to support the CEO, CFO, and General Counsel. This role is suited to someone who performs well in a fast-paced, mission-focused biotech setting, stays ahead of changing priorities, and handles sensitive matters with strong judgment and confidentiality. The right candidate will bring advanced executive support experience, polished communication skills, and a proactive approach that helps the leadership team operate efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a wide range of administrative support for the CEO, CFO, and General Counsel, including calendar coordination, expense reporting, drafting and preparing correspondence, booking detailed domestic and international travel, and assembling materials for travel-related meetings.
• Act as a direct point of contact for Board members, investors, outside partners, and other stakeholders on executive initiatives.
• Help keep communication flowing smoothly between senior leaders and internal teams while building trust and credibility with leadership.
• Keep the executives updated on upcoming commitments and priorities, and follow up to ensure tasks are completed on time.
• Manage outside commitments such as Board meetings, speaking engagements, and industry events, while shielding executive time from lower-priority internal demands.
• Juggle competing requests efficiently, take initiative, and carry projects through to completion even when deadlines are tight.
• Prepare, draft, and refine correspondence, board materials, reports, and presentations for the executive team.
• Support special assignments and strategic initiatives with sound judgment and independent follow-through.
• Provide backup assistance for office operations and facilities when needed.
• Coordinate Board and committee meeting logistics, including scheduling, materials, and attendee communication, in support of the CEO’s liaison responsibilities to the Board of Directors.
• Help Board members with travel, hotel arrangements, and meal planning as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all dealings with Board members and in handling Board-related communications and documents.
• Ensure Board and committee matters follow the company’s bylaws and applicable rules and regulations.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least 10 years of experience supporting C-level executives or working in a similar senior administrative role, ideally in biotech or life sciences.
• Strong interest in and experience with both internal and external communication.
• Excellent organizational ability with a track record of managing several priorities at once while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong relationship-building skills with employees, Board members, and external stakeholders.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and confident decision-making.
• High emotional maturity, professionalism, and discretion when working with confidential information.
• Ability to contribute as a collaborative team member while also working independently with high effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines, and deliver high service levels in a fast-moving environment.
• A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to identify needs and recommend solutions.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office tools, Slack, Zoom, and DocuSign; familiarity with board management systems such as Diligent or Boardvantage is an added advantage.
• Experience in a startup or early-stage company is a plus.

Additional Information

Lycia Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

The company also notes that job seekers in the biotech sector may encounter email and social media scams. Legitimate openings are posted directly by the company or through its recruitment partner. Applicants may contact the company to confirm whether an opening is genuine.

Lycia may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as resume review, application analysis, or response assessment. These tools assist the recruitment team, but human judgment remains central and final hiring decisions are made by people. Candidates seeking details about data processing may contact the company.

Compensation for this position includes a base salary range of $135,000 to $160,000. The company encourages applicants at different career stages to apply, as title and responsibility levels may be flexible. Final pay will depend on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The package also includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits offering.