Senior Associate Director, Research Programs

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 163,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is seeking an Associate Director of Research Project Management in San Francisco, with a focus on leading discovery and preclinical programs across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes integrated planning, governance, and execution for early development programs. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in drug development (or an advanced degree) and a proven ability to drive complex programs in biotech/pharma, including remote collaboration and alliance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in scientific discipline with 12+ years of experience in drug development; or advanced degree (MS, PhD, MBA), preferred, with commensurate experience
• Demonstrated experience leading project management activities for discovery and/or preclinical research programs within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment
• Project management expertise within drug discovery and research organizations, with the ability to independently drive complex cross-functional activities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Ability balance tactical execution and strategic leadership, from managing project plans, timelines, and meeting logistics to driving cross-functional alignment and facilitating strategic decision-making across all stages of development and levels of leadership
• Experience managing projects with remote teams and through external alliances preferred
• Experience supporting programs through IND-enabling activities or transition into early development is a plus
• Deep knowledge of PM methodologies, concepts, techniques, and tools with significant work in project management roles is required
• Proficient using MS Office Suite, SmartSheet, and/or other project management software

Responsibilities

• Research Program Leadership: Partner with Research Leads, scientific teams, and functional representatives to drive execution of discovery and preclinical research programs, ensuring alignment on priorities, timelines, deliverables, and decision points
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans, timelines, milestones, risks, assumptions, and dependencies
• Facilitate cross-functional project team meetings and ensure alignment on objectives, priorities, and deliverables
• Track program progress and proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate risks that may impact timelines or objectives
• Support program governance activities, including preparation of materials for portfolio reviews, stage gates, and leadership discussions
• Collaborate with Alliance Management and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure appropriate planning and readiness as research programs advance toward development
• Coordinate activities and communications with external collaboration partners as appropriate
• Research Operations & Strategy: Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance Research operations, governance, portfolio visibility, and organizational effectiveness
• Support portfolio planning, resource discussions, and operational reporting
• Develop materials and analyses to support leadership decision making and strategic planning activities
• Partner across functions to implement and sustain operational excellence initiatives

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Scientific acumen

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in scientific discipline

MS/PhD/MBA or equivalent

Tools

MS Office Suite

SmartSheet

Job description

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is seeking an Associate Director of Research Project Management in San Francisco, with a focus on leading discovery and preclinical programs across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes integrated planning, governance, and execution for early development programs. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in drug development (or an advanced degree) and a proven ability to drive complex programs in biotech/pharma, including remote collaboration and alliance management.