AcuraStem is a patient-based biotechnology company pioneering treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and FTD. AcuraStem’s best-in-class disease modeling platform, iNeuroRx®, enables the discovery of innovative, effective, and broadly acting treatments. The team’s strong expertise in ASO technology provides for the rapid advancement of treatments in the clinic. AcuraStem’s research is funded in part by support from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, Harrington Discovery Institute, Alzheimer’s Association, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Department of Defense, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

AcuraStem is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated individual to join our team as a Program Manager playing a pivotal part in advancing therapeutic programs to the clinic. We are committed to finding the right fit for our team, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience. We are dedicated to considering a wide range of candidates for the Program Manager position, focusing on identifying individuals who demonstrate the necessary skills, passion, and potential to excel in this role.

The ideal candidate is an experienced discovery scientist project manager, comfortable operating across disciplines and hierarchies, highly organized and inventive in applying project management practices in an emerging and dynamic environment. As a drug discovery scientist with expertise in overseeing program management from lead optimization to IND filing, you will assume the role of Program Manager. Collaborating with preclinical project teams and scientific leadership, you will contribute to formulating, directing, and coordinating project strategy and implementation. Preferred qualifications include a background in scientific drug discovery coupled with proven program management proficiency in biotech or pharmaceutical environments. Intellectual curiosity, scientific acumen, adaptability, and personal initiative are valued attributes essential for all team members.

Responsibilities

• This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Leads program management activities for lead optimization through development candidate selection, preclinical development and IND filing.
• Coordinates with Clinical Operations, Clinical Development, and Regulatory Affairs during IND preparation to foster a collaborative, streamlined workflow.
• Provide support in financial tasks, encompassing ongoing forecasting, quarterly financial updates, development of budgets and FTE allocations, and facilitating preparation for Governance Meetings.
• Collaborating on accurate project budget estimation and control, including reconciling invoices against Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure accurate billing and managing expenditures.
• Collaborate with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to conceptualize, plan, and conduct studies.
• This position will support process validation, quality by design, regulatory approaches, and quality systems.
• Actively manage the execution of the project plan with team members, including internal and external activities, to ensure projects meet forecasted milestones and decision points on schedule and on budget.
• Organize and facilitate cross-functional project team meetings to drive progress, identify/resolve risks, and close action items.
• Create and maintain project documentation, including agenda, minutes, project plan and dashboard.
• Communicate project updates, budget status, and any delays to leadership through concise reports and presentations.
• Efficiently organizes and manages project documentation for sharing with stakeholders.Use project management and collaboration tools to initiate and curate project documentation.
• Facilitate and support active communication and information flow between team members, stakeholder functions, and governance bodies.
• Support team leaders with key workflows involving technical diligence, intellectual property filings, and agreement compliance.

Requirements

• BS degree in Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, or related field with a minimum of 6-8 years relevant industry experience, ideally with project management responsibilities.
• 3+ years in a program or project management role.
• Hands on experience in leading program management activities for programs in preclinical development.
• Demonstrated work experience in therapeutics development spanning from lead optimization through to IND filing.
• Proficient in planning and forecasting, utilizing past experience, input from team members, and vendor information to produce precise predictions and estimates for project planning.
• Able to define potential risks to project execution and propose ways to mitigate them.
• Strong experience with monitoring project progress and ensuring adherence to plans, with a proven track record in overseeing CRO-managed animal studies.
• Strong understanding of change order procedures and implementing strategies to minimize cost overruns.
• Experience setting and maintaining budgets.
• Strong knowledge of discovery research, pre-clinical development, pharmaceutical development, clinical development, and overall drug development process.
• Strong time management, organizational, and communication (presentation) skills.
• Knowledge, understanding, and direct application of project management best practices and proficiency with project management tools, software and techniques.
• Growth mindset, ability to thrive in a fluid environment.
• Strong data analytical skills and the ability to independently analyze and troubleshoot technical aspects of the core activities.
• Experience in working in multinational/multicultural organizations.
• High-caliber individual, driven and energized in their work, who is pragmatic, solution-focused and willing/able to roll up sleeves in a fast-moving, small company environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by influence, cross-functionally.
• Must be able to clearly communicate complex program information in formal and informal settings.
• Good conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills are a must.
• Capability in the Microsoft suite of business software, including MS Project, Visio and Excel.
• Prefer experience with Veeva Vault and project tracking software such as Instagantt or ThinkCell.
• Industry experience in big pharma / biotech preferred
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Practical experience or formal training in neuroscience preferred.
• Masters or PhD is preferred.

Job Type

Full-time Regular On-site position. Must already be in the USA and approved to work immediately.

Salary Range

At AcuraStem we strive to build a diverse and equitable workplace. AcuraStem offers a competitive total rewards package which includes healthcare coverage, 401k, and a broad range of other benefits. The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including candidates' qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. This compensation and benefits information is based on AcuraStem knowledge as of the date of publication, and may be modified in the future.

Benefits

Providing a comprehensive range of benefits, AcuraStem is committed to conscientiously investing in our employees, who play a pivotal role in realizing our company's mission and attaining success.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision - AcuraStem pays 100% of all qualifying employee medical premiums and for their qualifying dependents
• Insurance options for Employee Assistance Programs, Basic Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability and more.
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• PTO, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays