Associate Director, Research Project Management

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.

• 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 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.

You’re passionate about being a part of cutting-edge research that lays the foundation for transformational therapies, and driving the operational excellence that turns scientific vision into concrete results. You’ll thrive working in a dynamic, agile environment as you seamlessly balance mission-driven urgency with data-driven rigor. Your leadership style is a compelling blend of humility and courage which can bring people together to drive team performance, psychological safety, accountability, and strong decision making.

• 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. Direct experience working in a start-up biotech is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of drug discovery processes, including target identification and validation, lead selection and optimization, pharmacology, and translational science. Scientific experience in neuroscience, immune-mediated…