Biologics R&D Program Manager – On-Site, Early Pipeline

Xaira Therapeutics, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Xaira Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager, Biologics R&D to coordinate biologics programs from discovery to IND-enabling studies.

The role emphasizes scientific understanding, team coordination, and milestone tracking, partnering with Program Team Leads to align strategy and execution. Ideal candidates have hands-on biologics experience and a track record of managing timelines and deliverables in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD, or equivalent) in life sciences or related field preferred.
• Minimum 6+ years industry experience with hands-on biologics or drug discovery research and project/timeline management responsibilities.
• 3+ years of project management or cross-functional leadership within research settings preferred.
• Experience supporting biologics discovery programs through target validation, hit discovery, and lead optimization; exposure to IND-enabling workflows is a plus.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills; ability to translate complex science into clear plans.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate biologics research programs from discovery through lead optimization and IND-enabling work.
• Build and maintain multi-program timelines with critical paths and milestones.
• Collaborate with scientific leads and stakeholders to align scope, priorities, and resources.
• Define key milestones and decisional experiments for governance and late-stage planning.
• Coordinate cross-functional meetings, document decisions, and track action items.
• Monitor risks, timelines, and resource needs; develop contingency plans for critical paths.

Skills

Biologics

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

PMI/PMO knowledge

Scheduling

Education

MS or PhD in life sciences

Tools

Smartsheet

Confluence

Google Workspace

Job description

Xaira Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager, Biologics R&D to coordinate biologics programs from discovery to IND-enabling studies.

The role emphasizes scientific understanding, team coordination, and milestone tracking, partnering with Program Team Leads to align strategy and execution. Ideal candidates have hands-on biologics experience and a track record of managing timelines and deliverables in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.