Manage early discovery project kickoffs ensuring that key stakeholders are engaged at the right time
Oversee portfolio transitions between Early and Late Discovery, ensuring smooth handoffs and alignment with program objectives
Identify cross-project dependencies, risks, and opportunities for synergy
Monitor portfolio health metrics including timelines, milestones, and decision points for progression
Analyze cross-project themes, learnings, and opportunities for process improvement to drive portfolio optimization
Collaborate with Candidate Selection Leads as projects approach the candidate seeking stage to ensure that projects are ready to move to the next stage
Develop and refine stage-gate processes that balance rigor with the flexibility required in discovery research
Serve as primary advisor to Project Managers on early-stage programs, providing guidance on project strategy, decision frameworks, and best practices
Support alignment between project teams and senior leadership on priorities
Advise on risk assessment, alternative approaches, and decision criteria for program progression
Facilitate strategic discussions on program priorities and portfolio optimization
Lead comprehensive project management for 1-2 early discovery projects, including timeline development, milestone tracking, resource coordination, and deliverable management
Facilitate project meetings, developing agendas, capturing minutes, and tracking action items through resolution
Coordinate cross-functional activities across matrixed teams including biology, chemistry, translational sciences, and external collaborators
Ensure consistency in project reporting standards and decision frameworks across teams
Drive continuous improvement initiatives for discovery project management processes and tools
Maintain portfolio-level calendars and ensure timely preparation of materials for key decision meetings
Develop best practices that both maintain agility and support a decision-making framework
Proactively manage project and portfolio communications, identifying and resolving gaps or ambiguities to maintain cross-functional alignment
Develop integrated slide decks and presentations for leadership forums that synthesize portfolio status, trends, and actionable insights
Foster collaborative dialogue across diverse scientific disciplines, encouraging knowledge sharing and creative problem-solving approaches
Maintain consistent communication frameworks and reporting standards across portfolio teams

Requirements

Bachelors degree preferably in life sciences with 15+ years of relevant experience, or Masters preferably in life sciences with 12+ years of experience, or PhD in preferably in life sciences with 10+ years of experience
Advanced degree is highly preferred
PMP preferred
Experience in advisory or mentorship roles
Must have an understanding of oncology drug discovery processes and decision criteria; small molecule and large molecule experience preferred
Ability to think strategically and use judgement
Excellent communication and stakeholder management across scientific and operational teams
Experience with portfolio management tools (e.g. MS Office suite, MS Project, SharePoint, and/or SmartSheet)

Benefits

eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k)
pension
vacation benefits
eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
life insurance and death benefits
certain time off and leave of absence benefits
well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

portfolio managementproject managementrisk assessmentprocess improvementdecision frameworkstimeline developmentmilestone trackingresource coordinationstakeholder managementoncology drug discovery

Soft Skills

strategic thinkingjudgmentcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingmentorshipadvisory skillsagilityknowledge sharingfacilitation

Certifications

PMP