Senior Project Manager, Gene Therapy

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Project Manager for a direct hire opportunity with a leading gene therapy biotechnology company in the Bay Area. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology and medical device industries.

Workplace: Onsite in South San Francisco, CA.

Position Title: Senior Project Manager, Gene Therapy

Position Type: Direct hire

Are you passionate about advancing the frontiers of genetic medicine? A dynamic, venture-backed biopharmaceutical startup in South San Francisco is pioneering non-viral gene therapy solutions for diseases with urgent unmet medical needs. Our multidisciplinary teams are tackling some of the biggest challenges in genetic drug development through a collaborative, forward-thinking approach.

We’re seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager to drive strategic program delivery across our cutting-edge genetic medicine portfolio. As a key leader, you will leverage your dual expertise in drug development and project management to align research, nonclinical, and manufacturing teams around shared goals—accelerating progress from discovery to early clinical development.

• Orchestrate research and nonclinical development activities, guiding programs from inception through preclinical and early clinical phases using rigorous project management best practices.
• Foster seamless cross-functional collaboration, coordinating deliverables within and between departments and external partners to align on timelines, budgets, risk mitigation, and evolving priorities.
• Build and maintain integrated project plans and dashboards, delivering real-time transparency that empowers proactive decision-making and rapid course correction.
• Lead regular team meetings and communications—setting agendas, capturing actions, and tracking progress across stakeholders to ensure accountability and momentum.
• Monitor and manage budgets, anticipating changes in scope and working with leadership to ensure resource alignment with program needs.
• Champion adoption of agile project management processes, methodologies, and advanced tools—driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or closely related field required; advanced degree (MS, PhD, MBA) or PMP certification strongly preferred.
• 8+ years’ experience supporting gene therapy or biologics programs, with proven success driving project delivery in biotech, pharma, or life sciences organizations.
• 3-5 years’ hands-on project management experience in a fast-moving, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, building collaborative partnerships across internal stakeholders and with academic/industry collaborators.
• Mastery of project management tools such as Smartsheet, with an analytical mindset and a drive for process excellence.
• Operates nimbly in startup settings, thriving under evolving priorities and ambiguity.
• Superior communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Previous startup experience highly desirable.

We offer an energetic, purpose-driven culture where you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact in transforming gene therapy. If you’re inspired by innovation and want to work alongside leaders shaping the future of genetic medicine, we invite you to apply.

Our Commitment:

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply—including those who may not meet every requirement. We prohibit harassment and discrimination of any kind and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.