Associate Director/Director, Research & Development Program Management

COMPANY

Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage oncology biotechnology company based in New York City focused on developing therapeutics that exploit chromosomal instability (CIN) as a unique vulnerability in cancer. Since its founding in 2019, Volastra has grown to support ongoing discovery efforts and a growing clinical organization.

Volastra's most advanced pipeline programs are two distinct inhibitors of KIF18A, a novel therapeutic target. The first medicine, VLS-1488 was internally discovered and entered the clinic in Q4 2023 for the treatment of advanced cancers. Sovilnesib, was in-licensed from Amgen in 2023 and re-entered the clinic Q2 2024.

Volastra is financed by top US and European venture firms, including Arch, Polaris, Vida, Droia, Catalio, and B Capital as well as from strategic investor Eli Lilly. In addition to venture funding, Volastra has a multi-year drug discovery collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb and multiple biomarker discovery partnerships. The company has a highly experienced senior leadership team and a world class advisory board.

The company operates out of office and laboratory space in West Harlem, New York City, within easy traveling distance of most areas of the city, Westchester County, and New Jersey. Please visit www.volastratx.com for more information.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Associate Director / Director, R&D Program Management will report to the Head of Research and Development and act in a cross-functional role integrating R&D functions to ensure smooth and consistent operations within the R&D organization. The role will be focused on our clinical stage assets but will have the opportunity to work across the entire R&D spectrum. The ideal candidate has relevant experience in drug development, excellent communication skills, is detailed-oriented and self-motivated, and can navigate cross-functional relationships to manage plans and implement solutions with limited oversight.

Volastra is a fast-paced biotech company of passionate employees, and there is ample opportunity for the ideal candidate to grow and develop with the organization. Individuals will from time to time have the opportunity to work on projects and take on responsibilities that may fall outside his/her scope of work. This role is based in NYC and requires 50% in-office time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Head of Research and Development providing guidance and operational support to ensure the success of the organization, including developing and tracking agendas, prioritizing competing needs, and ensuring engagement and coordination across stakeholders.
• Work with Leadership and SMEs to develop and implement R&D strategies, goals, and objectives.
• Work with program teams to ensure that development programs are mapped out and on track
• Work cross-functionally to develop and manage project plans, budgets, timelines, and resources, and ensure consistency with the overall R&D strategy.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement new technologies, methodologies, policies, procedures, or operating models to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, and communication.
• Coordinate and facilitate communications across R&D teams.
• Build and drive agendas for key internal and external R&D meetings, including leadership teams.
• Assist with executive-level presentations and communications, including board meetings.
• Provide regular updates on the progress of R&D programs to senior management and stakeholders.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in life sciences or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in an R&D organization in a pharmaceutical or biotech company, with at least 3 years in program management and/or operational role overseeing cross-functional development teams.
• Deep understanding of drug development from target to drug approval.
• Experience in oncology drug development.
• Experience with small molecule development programs is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify key information needed to make decisions.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and adapting to uncertainty or change.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and guide projects forward.
  
  

SALARY RANGE

Approximately $160,000- $210,000 which may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and ultimate leveling