Manager, R&D Operations in Cambridge

Manager, R&D Operations in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 123000 - 138000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational planning and execution in groundbreaking preclinical research.
  • Company: Join Amylyx, a pioneering company transforming treatments for high unmet medical needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, remote work options, and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Other info: Remote work available, with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in medicine while working with passionate professionals.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in biotech or pharma, strong project management skills, and a life sciences degree.

The predicted salary is between 123000 - 138000 £ per year.

Amylyx has an audacious mission to usher in a new era for treating diseases with high unmet needs.

Where others see challenges, we see opportunities that we pursue with urgency, rigorous science, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.

We are a clinical-stage company currently focused on post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), Wolfram syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Our mission is powered by our people.

Our core values – be audacious, be curious, be authentic, be engaged, and be accountable – creating a culture of caring.

Amylyx has assembled an experienced team ready to take action because the communities we serve have no time to wait.

If you share our passion and are determined to tackle some of medicine’s toughest problems, we encourage you to read the opportunity below and apply.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an R&D Operations Manager to lead operational planning and execution across our preclinical research and development organization.

This role serves as a key business partner to scientific leadership, enabling efficient execution of toxicology, bioanalytical, translational, and research activities through strong operational oversight, vendor management, financial planning, and process optimization.

The R&D Operations Manager will be responsible for driving operational excellence across a growing preclinical organization, ensuring studies, vendors, budgets, contracts, and critical deliverables are managed proactively and efficiently.

This position offers broad visibility across R&D and significant interaction with scientific leaders, external CROs, Finance, Procurement, Legal, and Quality.

Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership
  • Support operational planning and execution activities supporting preclinical, toxicology, bioanalytical, and translational research programs.
  • Partner with scientific leadership to develop and maintain integrated study plans, timelines, milestones, and operational deliverables.
  • Support identification of operational risks, develop and maintain program level risk tracker, and proactively work with scientific teams to develop mitigation strategies to support successful study execution.
  • Establish, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, tools, templates, and governance frameworks that increase organizational efficiency and scalability.
  • Support the Department Head with scheduling and executive assistant-based activities with approximate 15% time allocation.
  • Vendor and CRO Management
  • Serve as the primary operational lead for CROs, laboratories, consultants, and other external vendors supporting preclinical programs.
  • Manage vendor onboarding, contract initiation, statements of work, purchase orders, amendments, and vendor performance tracking.
  • Partner closely with Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Quality to ensure timely execution of agreements and vendor-related activities.
  • Monitor vendor deliverables, timelines, and budget performance, escalating issues as needed.
  • Study and Portfolio Operations
  • Facilitate department-level and cross-functional meetings, lead meeting notes and tracking of decisions, action items, and deliverables with clear documentation and tracking to completion.
  • Maintain operational oversight of study documentation, ensuring protocols, reports, contracts, and associated records are inspection-ready and appropriately archived.
  • Financial and Resource Management
  • Manage operational budgets for preclinical and toxicology activities, including purchase order management, invoice reconciliation, accrual tracking, and spend forecasting in partnership with the department head.
  • Partner with Finance to support annual budget planning and quarterly forecasting activities.
  • Develop reporting and dashboards that provide visibility into program level and study level costs, vendor spend, and resource utilization.
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Develop metrics and key performance indicators to measure operational effectiveness across preclinical programs.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.
  • Champion a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business, Operations, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or life sciences environments.
  • 3+ years of experience supporting preclinical development, toxicology, translational research.
  • Demonstrated experience managing vendors, CROs, contracts, budgets, and operational processes.
  • Experience partnering cross-functionally with scientific, finance, procurement, legal, and quality organizations.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common business systems; experience with Net Suite, Link Squares, Smartsheet, or project management platforms is preferred.
  • Work Location and Conditions
  • At Amylyx, we proudly support remote work opportunities within the United States.

However, due to business considerations related to health insurance coverage and state tax regulations, we are unable to hire employees who reside and/or work in certain states.

Currently, we are not considering applicants from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii Michigan and Tennessee.

  • You will be expected to travel to our corporate location in Cambridge, MA several times a year and attend other company-related events as necessary and requested.
  • You must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at your remote location.

Compensation

The pay range posted below represents our good faith estimate of compensation for this role, based on market data and internal benchmarks.

The final offer may vary depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as considerations of internal equity.

  • Estimated Pay Range
  • $123,000
  • $138,000
  • USD
  • To stay connected with us, follow Amylyx Pharmaceuticals on

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Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Amylyx’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Accommodations are available for candidates who require them in our selection process.

If you need an accommodation, please let your Amylyx Talent Acquisition contact know.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Manager, R&D Operations in Cambridge employer: Amylyx Pharmaceuticals

At Amylyx, we are driven by our mission to transform the treatment landscape for diseases with high unmet needs, fostering a culture of audacity, curiosity, and accountability. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our collaborative work environment, where you will have the opportunity to engage with scientific leaders and contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in patients' lives. With flexible remote work options and a supportive team atmosphere, Amylyx is an exceptional place for those looking to advance their careers while making a significant impact.

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Contact Details:

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager, R&D Operations in Cambridge

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

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Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

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We think you need these skills to ace Manager, R&D Operations in Cambridge

Operational Planning
Vendor Management
Financial Planning
Process Optimization
Project Management
Risk Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Amylyx Pharmaceuticals that you have the hands-on skills they need.

Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Amylyx Pharmaceuticals does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.

Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals

Brush Up on Lab Techniques

Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.

Know Your Bioinformatics Tools

Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.

Show Your Teamwork Skills

Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Amylyx Pharmaceuticals's culture.

Research Recent Biotech Innovations

Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Amylyx Pharmaceuticals. This shows your passion for the industry!