Position: Discovery Program Manager (Associate Director-Director)

Position Summary

We are seeking an Associate Director or Director, Discovery Program Management to join our Portfolio, Program and Alliance Management (PPAM) team. In this role, reporting to the Vice President, PPAM, you will be responsible for coordination and operational management of drug discovery projects through early development, including early preclinical and pharmaceutical development activities. The role includes facilitating the development of program strategy and driving the realization of that strategy through the development and management of executable plans. This includes planning and tracking progress for all internal and outsourced activities required to advance drug discovery projects forward. The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background and is experienced in drug discovery, vendor management and program / project management. This individual will demonstrate both attention to detail and the ability to think strategically.

Responsibilities

• Key strategic partner to the Discovery Project leads, managing the drug discovery & early development processes using the best tools available for project management.
• Partner with the head of Discovery to assist in maximizing the Discovery Portfolio of assets, establishing clear stage gating criteria, processes and efficient decision making
• Developing & maintaining high performing teams
• Conduct program level scenario planning and risk analysis. Drive the development of contingency and risk mitigation plans.
• Prepare clear, sufficiently detailed minutes of Project Team meetings and discovery portfolio reviews.
• Prepare methodical tracking of all action items
• Keep abreast of changes and ensure constant communication with Discovery Leadership, Project Leaders and all Project Team members, so that all parties are aware of project activity, issues, and contingencies.
• Support Discovery Alliance Management and Vendor Management, contribute to the review and execution of contracts. Ensure efficient and comprehensive communication between external vendors and internal team.
• Manage dispute resolution, engaging internal and external decision makers appropriately.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific (or related technical) field required. Advanced degree in either scientific discipline or MBA preferable.
• Minimum of 7 years industry experience within the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, or other Healthcare related field
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in managing and/or leading cross-functional drug discovery and/or early development teams
• Small molecule drug development knowledge with advanced understanding of other functions; including, but not limited to, Research, Pre-Clinical, Clinical, CMC, and Regulatory
• Application of Project Management tools, methodologies, practices
• Working Knowledge of Project Management principles and practices
• Excellent verbal and written skills, allowing for an open and effective dialogue throughout the company
• Uses teamwork to work cooperatively toward the most effective solutions, championing the best ideas of team members, and assisting where help is needed yet is capable of highly independent work when efficiency is required
• Results-oriented individual who is highly motivated, decisive, flexible in thought, and has the creativity to excel in and contribute to a rapidly growing company
• Forward thinking mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects, as well as identify and resolve issues
• Broad experience in an emerging, publicly traded company environment is a plus

The successful candidate will also embody our values:

Our purpose is to create value for those we have the privilege to serve:

• We take pride in our work
• We keep our promises and deliver
• We are driven to meaningfully innovate
• We succeed through inclusion and teamwork

Karuna Therapeutics is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Karuna Therapeutics requires all employees be fully vaccinated by an approved vaccine against COVID-19, including a booster dose if it has been more than eight months since the employee's original vaccination, unless you need an exemption due to disability, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy or religion or unless otherwise provided by law; in the case of exemption, weekly testing will be required.