Director, Discovery Program Management

Parabilis Medicines; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual target bonus

Equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Parabilis Medicines in Cambridge seeks a Program Manager to drive critical Discovery programs. You will ensure alignment and urgency within cross‑functional teams, manage timelines, and facilitate program review meetings using modern project management tools.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in drug discovery, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to leverage AI tools for enhanced program execution. Join a growing company committed to inclusivity and employee well-being.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of drug discovery experience in industry.
• Project management experience in drug discovery within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
• Experience managing complex, cross‑functional programs.

Responsibilities

• Drive multiple late-stage Discovery programs through lead optimization.
• Build and maintain integrated program timelines and track budgets.
• Facilitate communication and decision‑making across Research functions.

Skills

Project management in drug discovery

Scientific literacy

Organizational skills

Communication skills

AI tool utilization

Education

BSc in a Life Science related field

Tools

Modern project management tools

Job description

Program Manager – Discovery

The Program Manager will be central to driving the Discovery programs forward that are most critical to our pipeline. The role focuses on the program management of late-stage Discovery programs, those in the final stretch toward development candidate (DC) nomination, ensuring that cross‑functional teams move with urgency, alignment, and scientific rigor, and that programs transition smoothly into the Development function.

Key Responsibilities

• Project management of multiple late-stage Discovery programs through lead optimization to development candidate nomination.
• Build and maintain integrated program timelines, track budgets, and manage resourcing questions across functions.
• Drive alignment on program priorities, decision gates, and go/no‑go criteria in partnership with scientific leads and senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary operational partner to Discovery program teams, facilitating communication and decision‑making across Research functions.
• Prepare and support program review meetings, including milestone tracking, risk registers, and leadership updates.
• Leverage AI‑powered and modern project management tools to synthesize program data, surface risks, and accelerate decision‑making.
• Contribute to portfolio‑level planning and be a strategic voice in shaping how Discovery operates and scales.

Qualifications

• BSc in a Life Science related field, with 10+ years of drug discovery experience in industry.
• Project management experience in drug discovery within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting, with direct exposure to late‑stage Discovery or DC nomination processes.
• Strong scientific literacy, with the ability to engage meaningfully with Discovery data and program science.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross‑functional programs with multiple workstreams and competing priorities.
• Proficiency with modern project management and a genuine enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools to improve program execution.
• Experience in oncology drug discovery is a plus but not required.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative, and science‑driven environment.
• Energized by contributing broadly in a small, growing organization where impact is direct and visible.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize AI tools for day‑to‑day work; baseline proficiency is expected, and advanced or innovative use of AI is a strong plus.

Salary and Benefits

The base salary range is $200,000–$240,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal practices. The total compensation package includes an annual target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits designed to support employees' overall well‑being.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Parabilis Medicines values an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.