CRO & KOL Partnerships Strategist

Go Fractional; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Go Fractional seeks an experienced Senior Manager/Manager to lead CRO and KOL alliances in a fast-paced biotech setting. This contract-to-hire role is based in San Diego, requiring expertise in selecting CROs, coordinating study designs, and managing external partners.

You will influence translational programs and ensure compliant, timely execution across vendors. The ideal candidate has an advanced life sciences degree and 5+ years in biotech/pharma, with 3+ years managing CROs or KOL

Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred; BS with significant relevant experience considered.
• 5+ years in biotech/pharma with at least 3 years directly managing CROs, KOL engagements, or external in vivo/translational studies.
• Experience scouting, onboarding, and managing top-tier KOLs and running External Advisory Boards (EABs).
• Deep knowledge of end-to-end drug discovery and preclinical development.
• Strong understanding of in vivo pharmacology, disease models, or gene therapy modalities.
• Proven ability to translate scientific objectives into operational study plans and SOWs.
• Strong proficiency in commercial/contractual terms, rate negotiations, and vendor governance.
• Ability to manage multiple external partners and projects in parallel.

Responsibilities

• Lead CRO strategy and CRO selection, ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
• Coordinate CRO evaluations, feasibility assessments, site qualification, and regulatory reviews.
• Translate scientific goals into structured study plans and SOWs; align on timelines and endpoints.
• Oversee CRO operations, milestones, deliverables, and risk mitigation with internal teams.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage MSAs, SOWs, and MTAs with Legal and Procurement.
• Lead vendor RFP processes and annual CRO/KOL spend forecasting with Finance.
• Identify and engage top KOLs; manage External Advisory Boards and expert panels.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

CRO management

KOL engagement

Vendor governance

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in life sciences (MS/PhD, DVM, or equivalent)

Job description

Go Fractional seeks an experienced Senior Manager/Manager to lead CRO and KOL alliances in a fast-paced biotech setting. This contract-to-hire role is based in San Diego, requiring expertise in selecting CROs, coordinating study designs, and managing external partners.

You will influence translational programs and ensure compliant, timely execution across vendors. The ideal candidate has an advanced life sciences degree and 5+ years in biotech/pharma, with 3+ years managing CROs or KOL