R&D Project Manager III

Job Title: R&D Project Manager III

Location: Foster City, CA 94404

Hybrid - onsite at least 3 days per week

Duration: 08 months contract

Position Summary

The Research Strategy, Innovation & Portfolio Management group is seeking a highly motivated R&D Project Manager to drive the coordination and progression of scientific research programs within a cross-functional environment.

This role focuses on advancing research programs toward clinical development through strong stakeholder engagement, structured project management, and effective team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Program Management

• Lead and manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Drive research programs toward clinical development milestones
• Build and maintain project plans, timelines, and resource allocation
• Identify risks, track progress, and ensure timely execution

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Establish and manage cross-functional sub-teams
• Assess team effectiveness and resolve team-related challenges
• Facilitate collaboration across scientific and operational stakeholders

Governance & Development Support

• Support preparation for governance meetings and milestone reviews
• Assist teams preparing molecules for clinical development presentation
• Ensure readiness and execution of key research and development milestones

Operational Execution

• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Organize meetings, document outcomes, and track action items
• Handle administrative and coordination tasks related to project execution

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead and attend project meetings
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders
• Track project timelines and deliverables
• Prepare meeting notes and documentation
• Support operational and administrative activities

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience

Experience

• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist or project manager
• Exposure to drug development processes
• Experience working on cross-functional project teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing compounds in clinical phases I-III
• Background in both research and non-clinical development
• Experience transitioning compounds from IND to early clinical phases
• Familiarity with biomarkers and later-stage development processes
• Scientific or bench research experience

Technical & Domain Knowledge

• Understanding of scientific concepts such as PK, EC50, and biomarkers
• Familiarity with clinical and regulatory terminology (e.g., LPLV)
• Experience across therapeutic areas such as virology, inflammation, and oncology

Core Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and process-oriented
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• High technical and analytical competence

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)
• Zoom
• Smartsheet and SharePoint (preferred)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Combination of research and clinical development experience
• Proven ability to manage projects involving compounds in clinical stages while supporting non-clinical work
• Able to start quickly with minimal onboarding

Not a Fit

• Candidates with only clinical operations experience
• Analytical project managers without research exposure
• Profiles limited to early discovery with no clinical experience
• Candidates lacking non-clinical research experience

Flexible Considerations

• Candidates without formal PM titles but with strong project ownership
• Early-career candidates with high learning agility
• PhD candidates with relevant industry and project management experience

Interview Process

• Initial phone screening
• Followed by panel or onsite interview

Additional Notes

• Portfolio management experience is not required
• Phase IV experience is not needed
• Focus is on Phase I - III development
• Preference for candidates who can contribute with minimal ramp-up time