Discovery Project Manager — Cell Therapy Discovery
About The Position
Are you ready to co-own the execution of next-generation cell therapy programs and help transform groundbreaking science into meaningful outcomes for patients? As a Discovery Project Manager within Cell Therapy Discovery, you will play a critical role in driving discovery-stage programs focused on autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Working in partnership with Bioscience Leads, you will provide strategic project leadership across a portfolio that spans from pre-Target Selection Investment Decision through preclinical proof of concept and transition into Global Product Teams. Our portfolio includes LVV-based CAR-T, LNP, autologous, and allogeneic cell therapy approaches. This role operates within a unique partnership model where scientific leadership and project leadership work hand-in-hand to ensure clear decision-making, effective execution, and timely delivery of program objectives. Within a highly collaborative and agile environment, you will help shape how discovery projects are managed while contributing directly to programs advancing toward the clinic.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 year's experience.
- Significant project management experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, drug discovery, or early development environments.
- Strong understanding of autoimmune and immune-mediated disease biology and drug development.
- Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects through key development milestones and investment decisions.
- Experience partnering directly with scientific leaders to drive project execution and delivery.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Ability to challenge constructively, navigate ambiguity, and facilitate effective decision-making.
- Experience utilizing project management methodologies, planning tools, and governance frameworks.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (PhD, MSc, MBA, or equivalent).
- Experience supporting cell therapy discovery programs, including CAR-T, LNP, autologous, and allogeneic approaches.
- Experience preparing for major governance and investment decision milestones.
- Experience coordinating project transfers across global teams and regions.
- Knowledge of portfolio management systems such as PLANIT or equivalent platforms.
- Experience applying AI-enabled tools to project planning, risk assessment, or reporting activities.
Responsibilities
- Partner closely with Bioscience Leads to drive execution, delivery, and decision-making across discovery-stage programs.
- Co-own program scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and milestones.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment to ensure successful project delivery.
- Challenge assumptions, drive accountability, and proactively address barriers to progress.
- Lead project initiation activities including project charters, RACI development, governance structures, and team operating models.
- Develop and maintain integrated project plans and schedules.
- Identify project risks and opportunities early and coordinate appropriate mitigation activities.
- Lead and facilitate project team meetings and product development reviews.
- Manage project interdependencies, scope adjustments, and escalation pathways.
- Maintain project plans and governance documentation, ensuring alignment with organizational processes.
- Prepare project updates, dashboards, and milestone reporting for leadership teams.
- Leverage AI-enabled solutions to enhance project scheduling, risk analysis, reporting, and decision support.
- Promote responsible and effective use of AI tools across project teams.
- Stay current with emerging technologies that improve project execution and operational efficiency.
- Partner effectively with scientific, technical, and business stakeholders.
- Support governance reviews and investment decision activities.
- Drive clear communication and alignment across global cross-functional teams.
- Lead the successful transition of programs to Global Product Teams and incoming Global Project Managers.
- Ensure readiness of deliverables, data packages, and handover documentation.
- Capture and apply lessons learned to continuously improve project execution practices.
- Coordinate project handovers with regional teams, including partnerships supporting China Discovery and investigator-initiated trial preparations.
Benefits
- Qualified retirement programs
- Paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
- Health coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses
- Equity-based awards for salaried roles
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
