Associate Director, Research Project Management

Biogen•Cambridge, MA

3d•$163,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Research Project Management Lead (Associate Director) About This Role We are seeking an experienced project management professional to drive strategic and operational excellence within the Research business unit. In this role, you will lead the translation of strategy into execution for teams advancing Research portfolio programs. Creating project plans and managing activities in close partnership with project leaders and functional experts, you will ensure that milestones, timelines, and decision points are achieved, that program risks are objectively assessed and proactively managed, and that program decisions are made in an aligned, transparent, and data-driven manner. Your work will span both internal programs and externalized partnerships from early discovery through IND filings as part of Biogen’s open innovation model for its preclinical pipeline. This role will also support preparation of drug candidates for successful early human studies, working in close coordination with cross-functional partners from clinical development, regulatory, corporate strategy, commercial, and manufacturing functions to manage and execute integrated project plans for IND-enabling activities, regulatory filings, and clinical planning in preparation for transitioning assets to Biogen’s Development organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline is required; an advanced degree (e.g., MS, PhD, MBA) in a relevant field of study is strongly preferred.
PMP or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with substantial experience in research-stage programs.
Comprehensive understanding of drug discovery processes, including target identification and validation, lead selection and optimization, pharmacology, and translational science.
Substantial experience in managing or leading preclinical drug discovery projects.
Excellence in applying project management methods for defining and implementing project plans, scenario and resource planning, risk management, and effective decision-making.
Experience in coordinating IND-enabling activities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage, inform, and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and drive accountability across diverse scientific teams.
Proven ability to navigate complex challenges with agility, manage ambiguity, and develop actionable solutions that drive progress.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working in a start-up biotech is highly desirable.
Scientific experience in neuroscience, immune-mediated diseases, or rare disease is highly desirable.
Experience across diverse therapeutic modalities is a plus.
Direct experience with successful IND or equivalent regulatory filings is preferred.
Experience in managing or leading external research partnerships to deliver decision-enabling scientific results.
Advanced proficiency with project management tools and software, with associated experience in developing integrated Gantt charts, timelines, and resource plans.

Responsibilities

Drive the development of robust project plans to achieve key program objectives and enable data-driven decisions at key program inflection points, partnering with project leads and cross-functional research teams to establish clear goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Lead the high quality execution of Research program activities against plan.
Drive operational planning and execution of IND-enabling activities and cross-functional integrated project plans to prepare development candidates for IND/CTA regulatory filings and early clinical studies.
Manage research plans for collaborations with external partners, in partnership with alliance management.
Work with Research leadership to prioritize and align programs within the broader Research portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment of program activities with Biogen’s scientific vision and resource allocation.
Actively contribute to portfolio reviews and decision-making.
Proactively identify and assess risks to program success. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity and progress.
Serve as a central hub for communication and collaboration across Research teams, facilitating team alignment and removing barriers to progress.
Act as the primary point of contact for reporting on program progress, risks, and outcomes to senior Research leadership.
Prepare and deliver high-quality, data-driven presentations and updates, and maintain project status and timeline updates in Research and enterprise portfolio reporting tools.
Drive alignment and best practices for R&D project management with peers in the Development project management organization.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
80 hours of sick time per calendar year
Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
Employee stock purchase plan
Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
Employee Resource Groups participation