At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform operations with AI workflows and automation, making a real impact in drug discovery.
- Company: Join Helical, a pioneering tech company revolutionising biology with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work in a fast-paced, founder-led team with a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in drug discovery and shape the future of operations.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in startup operations; AI tool proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Helical is building the in-silico labs for biology. Drug discovery still relies on wet labs: slow, expensive, and constrained by physical trial-and-error. Helical is changing that. We build the application layer that makes Bio Foundation Models usable in real-world drug discovery, enabling pharma and biotech teams to run millions of virtual experiments in days, not years. Today, leading global pharma companies already use Helical, and we're at the start of a highly ambitious growth journey. We're a founder-led, talent-dense team building a category-defining company from Europe. We care deeply about the quality of our work, move fast, and expect ownership. If you're excited by complexity, real responsibility, and shaping how a company actually operates as it scales, you'll feel at home here.
About The Role
We're hiring an Operations Analyst to build out Helical's AI-first operations machine while we grow at incredible speed. You'll work with state-of-the-art tools and transform how work gets done across the company. You'll report directly to the Chief of Staff & Operations Lead, own the operating rails (finance, vendors, compliance, people ops, automation), and partner with our fractional CFO on the finance backbone. We're not hiring someone to do this job the way it has traditionally been done. The right person already thinks in terms of agents, production-grade workflows, and AI-leverage, and uses those tools to multiply what one person can do.
What You'll Do
- Build the AI workflows that change how Helical operates - production-grade Claude agents and reusable Skills the whole company depends on day-to-day
- Build the automation backbone with Make.com - production-grade workflows the team depends on, not experiments
- Work with Helical's fractional CFO and build up the finance backbone of the company
- Spot what's broken in our operating rails and fix it before anyone asks — your judgment on what deserves attention is part of the job
- Own the new joiner experience end-to-end - make every joiner feel they belong from day one
- Lead vendor selection and negotiation end-to-end across the SaaS stack — you walk into the room ready to push back
- Design ops processes that scale from a 30-person team to a 100-person team
Requirements
Must-haves
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent — engineering, finance, biology, or entrepreneurship-related preferred
- 1 to 3 years of operations experience in a startup (Series Seed to Series B preferred)
- Active daily user of Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or similar AI tools, and of at least one automation platform (Make.com, Zapier, n8n)
- Has shipped at least one production automation or AI workflow currently in use
- Has owned at least one high-trust workstream end-to-end (SOC 2, ISO, financial close, vendor consolidation, audit, or similar)
- Power-user of Notion and Google Drive
- Based in London with the right to work in the UK
- Obsessed with AI and the impact it's having on how people work. You see it changing the world, and you want to be part of implementing that change in a fast-growing company environment
- Strong written communication and execution discipline
- Comfortable owning ambiguous work end-to-end
- You want to work on AI's impact in biology and drug discovery specifically — not just any AI startup will do
Nice-to-haves
- FinOps or finance exposure (you've worked alongside accountants, run AP/AR, or have a finance background)
- Light scripting fluency (Python, JSON, low-code platforms)
- Biotech, pharma, or scientific context
Associate Operations Analyst employer: Helical
Helical is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of drug discovery through innovative AI solutions. With a strong focus on employee ownership and rapid growth, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages creativity and responsibility, alongside opportunities for professional development in a cutting-edge environment. Located in London, our team thrives on collaboration and the pursuit of excellence, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals eager to shape the future of biotechnology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Operations Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Helical or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've built any AI workflows or automations, be ready to discuss them in detail. Bring examples to the table that demonstrate how you can add value to Helical's operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Helical is all about tackling complexity, so be ready to think on your feet during interviews. Practice problem-solving scenarios that showcase your ability to own ambiguous tasks.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our ambitious growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Operations Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and its impact on drug discovery shine through. We want to see how you connect your experiences with the exciting work we're doing at Helical.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your operations experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We’re looking for someone who can own high-trust workstreams, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills in this area.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate strong written communication, so keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out. We want to understand your journey quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helical
✨Know Your AI Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in the AI tools mentioned in the job description, like Claude and Make.com. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous roles to create workflows or automate processes.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Helical is looking for someone who can spot issues before they arise. Prepare examples of times when you identified a problem in operations and took the initiative to fix it. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Helical's mission to revolutionise drug discovery. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, especially in terms of scaling operations and leveraging AI.
✨Prepare for Ownership Questions
Since the role requires taking ownership of various workstreams, think of specific instances where you’ve led projects or initiatives. Highlight your ability to manage ambiguity and drive results independently.
