Variant Bio is a Seattle-based biotechnology company leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to develop life-saving therapies. To achieve this goal, we are studying the genes of people who are outliers for medically relevant traits, then translating insights from this research into the discovery and development of new therapeutics.
Variant Bio has raised over $125mm to support the rapid advancement of the company’s research and development work. Our investors include Lux Capital, Alta Partners, General Catalyst, SoftBank Vision Fund, Cercano Management and Casdin Capital, among others. Our growing team of geneticists, medical researchers, biologists, and drug hunters is working to advance multiple projects through target validation, lead optimization, and into the clinic, in relentless pursuit of our goal to bring life-saving therapies to patients.
Ethics is at the foundation of everything we do at Variant Bio. Our genomic research studies are co-designed with local partners around the world. In addition, we are committed to sharing tangible benefits with research partners and communities through our unique Benefit-sharing Program and Affordable Medicines Pledge.
Variant Bio is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Job Description
We are looking for a (Senior) Program Manager to join our R&D team to help manage relationships with CROs, lead cross-disciplinary project management, and work with leadership to set and execute research and early development plans. Reporting to the Vice President of Biology, this role is responsible for overseeing the coordination between key internal and external stakeholders, developing and tracking timelines, managing external partnerships, and leading regular program meetings to drive program success. Experience early-stage biotech and regulatory submission experience is a plus but not required. Alliance management experience is also a plus.
The successful candidate will be detail oriented, highly organized, and a great multi-tasker with the ability to work cross-functionally and maintain the highest standards in a fast-paced environment. Having excellent communication skills will be essential to manage complex projects with sensitive timelines and changing priorities. This role will be based out of Seattle, WA and is required to be in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Responsibilities
- Manage program timelines, budgets and coordinate CRO studies across internal and external programs; work with leadership and R&D scientists to forecast needs and manage risks.
- Partner with Business Development and R&D to execute Material Transfer Agreements and other required contracts, and deliver final external study reports.
- Serve as the cross-functional liaison between the Genomic Discovery and R&D teams to manage therapeutic target prioritization initiatives, including the evaluation process for targets of interest and facilitation of meetings.
- Collaborate with the Business Development team to assess the commercial landscape of priority therapeutic targets and update documentation as new information arises.
- Maintain and track budgets, dashboards, reference materials, and communicate changes to appropriate parties.
- Collaborate with CRO alliance managers to lead team meetings, set agendas, capture notes, and track deliverables and decisions.
- Assist in preparation of regulatory management work in relation to pre-IND and IND filings and other necessary materials relevant to the drug discovery process.
- Facilitate shipment of R&D study materials to domestic and international partners, including customs and permitting.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in relevant program management roles with demonstrated success coordinating multiple projects while tracking a variety of deliverables and milestones.
- Experience managing projects in a biotech/pharma therapeutics R&D setting is required - including using and maintaining Gantt charts.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a record of building trusting and productive relationships with both senior members of partner organizations and internal stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to create and manage project budgets including budget forecasts and expense tracking, and proactively communicating changes in anticipated budgets to leadership.
- Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to thrive in an dynamic and at times ambiguous environment working with a diverse set of partners and program types.
- Ability to adjust working hours to accommodate regular calls with international partners.
- Experience maintaining relationships with pharma, biotech and other potential collaboration partners is a plus.
- Knowledge of genetics/genomics is a plus.
- Compelled by the company’s mission of great science, ethics, and benefit sharing.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and equity package.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan through Fidelity that includes up to 3% employer match and flexible investment options.
- Flexible paid time off.
- Choice of public transportation (Orca Card) provided by the company or subsidized parking.
- Central Eastlake location in a brand new Alexandria building with modern facilities.
Anticipated annual base salary for this position is $110,00-160,000 plus up to 10% bonus and an options package, for total compensation of up to $121,000-176,000, plus equity options.
The annual salary range above is based on the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. Individual salary will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Don't meet every single requirement but are excited to join the Variant Bio team? If your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.
What We Do
Variant Bio is leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to discover new therapeutics.
Why Work With Us
Our team has a passion for exploration, and expertise spanning genetics, molecular biology, therapeutics, anthropology, and ethics. We started Variant Bio because we share the belief that human genomics has the power to transform drug development.
