As one of the main positions we recruit for at RA Capital, we field a lot of questions about our Healthcare Associate role. Below, you will find answers to the most common questions we get. We hope you find this informative and we look forward to receiving your application!
Apply NowI’m finishing up my PhD/MD program, when should I start thinking about applying?
That’s awesome, congrats! Please apply via our website no more than 6 months before your anticipated completion date.
And what if I’m finishing my program more than a year from now?
Feel free to apply for our summer internship program, or take some of our classes at RA University. We look forward to reviewing your application when you’re no more than 6 months out from graduation.
What does the application process look like?
Like other firms and industries, we have a staged application process that allows us (and you!) to determine whether the role is a fit for your skills and interests and gives you a sense for what the role entails. The full process, if you advance at each step, involves a short public company pitch, a conversation with the TechAtlas Associate Directors and hiring manager to discuss the role, your background and the pitch, and finally, a longer take-home case study.
What types of training/onboarding do you offer?
We provide an extensive curriculum of offerings to educate new Associates on the ins and outs of daily activities (see next question), biotech investing, and financial modeling. You’ll have the opportunity to put these skills into practice all along the way.
What is a typical day like in the Associate role?
Associates can expect to spend time meeting with and diligencing companies across our investment spectrum, communicating scientific insights and investment recommendations, speaking with KOLs, mapping, and attending conferences. Every day looks a little different!
What kinds of interactions will I have with the investment team as an Associate?
Associates work closely with members of the investment team to evaluate companies and make investment recommendations. We try to get our Associates opportunities to work with a variety of team members so that they have ample opportunity for mentorship.
Will I primarily be making maps as an Associate?
While creating and maintaining competitive landscape maps are a key deliverable for Associates, they also spend a great deal of time performing diligence on companies, reporting on groundbreaking news, engaging with KOLs, pitching new opportunities, and working with our portfolio companies.
What makes a great/successful TechAtlas Associate?
Associates take data and contextualize it to show how it could change the current treatment landscape for a given disease and ultimately whether that makes it a good investment, so a deep scientific understanding is a must. Strong communicators who use data to support their arguments succeed in this fast paced environment. Curiosity and a desire to learn are also great attributes.
What are typical career paths for Associates?
Associates have gone on to join our venture team, public equities team, our portfolio companies, and beyond. As an Associate you will be exposed to the broad spectrum of our investment capabilities (all the way from company ideation to public market investing) as well as competitive landscaping and strategy work. It’s really an excellent opportunity to figure out what you are interested in within the investing/biotech industry and develop the skills needed to be successful.
Can I work remotely as a TechAtlas Associate?
While we have a flexible hybrid work policy as far as which days you come into the office, we do expect Associates to work on location in Boston so if you’re planning on working remotely from Bali, we unfortunately won’t be able to accommodate. (But enjoy the weather, we hear it’s beautiful!)
What is RA Capital’s vacation policy?
We have a flexible vacation policy to make sure that Associates can take breaks and recharge their batteries when needed. Schedules and preferences differ, but it is not unusual for employees to take off 7-10 days at a time when taking vacations.
What do you all do to have fun?
Do you mean besides DCF models and scenario analyses? Just kidding! In addition to lively lunchroom conversations around the communal tables, we have an active social committee (candle making or wine tasting, anyone?) as well as optional group outings to local hot spots (e.g., drinks at Trillium brewery, working out at Barry’s Bootcamp, or games at VERSUS). These activities are a great way to foster our team dynamic and community.
What kind of benefits do you offer?
We are pleased to offer a competitive benefits package including fully paid medical insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k) plan with match, pre-tax commuter benefit, employee assistance program, and more.
Still want more info?
Check out some additional perspectives on RA, TA, and the Associate role:
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