At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage late-stage Discovery programs to drive innovative medicines forward.
- Company: Join Parabilis Medicines, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company transforming treatment possibilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, equity, and comprehensive benefits for your well-being.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment focused on innovation and patient outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery and help patients with urgent needs.
- Qualifications: BSc in Life Science and 10+ years in drug discovery project management.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 180000 € per year.
As a member of the Parabilis Medicines team, you will be a part of an organization dedicated to creating extraordinary medicines for diseases with urgent unmet needs, harnessing our proprietary peptide platform to transform treatment possibilities for patients. Parabilis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to unlocking high-impact protein targets long-considered undruggable.
The company has developed a new class of stabilized, cell-penetrant alpha-helical peptides – Helicons™ – capable of modulating intracellular proteins that are inaccessible to traditional drug modalities. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Parabilis is advancing a focused pipeline of multiple first-in-class therapies across both rare and common cancers. Its lead asset, zolucatetide (FOG-001), is a first-in-class, clinically validated direct inhibitor of the interaction between β-catenin and the T-cell factor (TCF) family of transcription factors, implicated in millions of cancer cases annually, including in colorectal cancer, desmoid tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma and a range of other Wnt/β-catenin-driven tumors.
In Phase 1 clinical trials, zolucatetide produced the first-ever clinical evidence that it can directly inhibit this interaction, once previously considered “undruggable” despite its role across multiple cancer types. Parabilis is also advancing investigational degraders of ERG and ARON into clinical development for the treatment of prostate cancer, as well as progressing other preclinical programs. Backed by a recent $305 million Series F financing, Parabilis is entering an exciting phase of growth and execution.
The Program Manager will be central to driving the Discovery programs forward that are most critical to our pipeline. This 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.
The ideal candidate brings a scientific foundation, deep familiarity with drug discovery workflows, and a proven ability to leverage modern project management tools, including AI-powered tools, to accelerate program execution. You will be a trusted partner to our program leaders and a key connector across the teams in Discovery and into Development.
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.
- 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.
Parabilis Medicines is a team of passionate pioneers who are trailblazing the future of precision medicine with the aim of making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. The company is committed to promoting an inspiring and flourishing working environment for all employees across the business, in all departments, and driving innovation for patient benefit.
- Growth-Minded. We’re inventing a new class of medicines—one applicable to therapeutic targets that have been dreamt about, but always considered impossible to drug. Our work requires us to be curious, humble and adaptable.
- In(ter)dependent. We are fiercely independent as a leader in defying the limitations of current therapeutic modalities, and interdependent as a team as we work collaboratively to shift drug discovery paradigms and provide patients with better treatment options.
- Patient-focused. We are deeply focused on patient outcomes, and all energy in the company is focused on science as it translates to patient impact.
- All-In. We’re All-In on solving some of the hardest scientific challenges and delivering one of the most effective new classes of drugs in history.
The base salary range for this position is $200,000-$240,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal practices. Parabilis’s total compensation package also includes an annual target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits designed to support our employees’ overall well-being.
As an equal opportunity employer, 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.
Director, Discovery Program Management in Cambridge employer: Parabilis Medicines
Parabilis Medicines is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant hub of Cambridge, MA, where innovation meets purpose. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and scientific rigor, empowering employees to make a tangible impact on patient outcomes through groundbreaking therapies. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive compensation packages, and a focus on inclusivity, Parabilis offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about transforming the future of medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Discovery Program Management in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Parabilis. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Parabilis’ projects and values. Show your passion for their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your project management skills and scientific background.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings; be proactive! Keep an eye on our website for new roles and apply directly. Express your enthusiasm for the company and how you can contribute to their exciting pipeline of therapies.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Discovery Program Management in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Discovery Program Management role. Highlight your relevant experience in drug discovery and project management, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Parabilis.
Showcase Your Scientific Knowledge:We want to see your scientific foundation shine through! Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your understanding of drug discovery workflows and how you’ve successfully managed complex programmes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your achievements and how they relate to the role. This helps us see your potential impact right away!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Parabilis. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parabilis Medicines
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in drug discovery, especially related to oncology. Being able to discuss how your scientific background aligns with Parabilis's mission will show that you're not just a project manager, but a partner who understands the science behind the programmes.
✨Master Project Management Tools
Familiarise yourself with modern project management tools, particularly those that leverage AI. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to streamline processes and improve outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency in the Discovery programs.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think about examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed complex, cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share how you facilitated communication and decision-making across different departments, as this is crucial for the role at Parabilis.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Parabilis's core values and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for their patient-focused approach and commitment to innovation. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also genuinely invested in their mission.