Associate Director Project Management

Who We Are:

MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do:

MapLight Therapeutics is looking for a Project Manager to help drive the development of our early-stage assets as we plan for NDA filings. This position is a critical team member of the development team and will be required to work across functional departments of the project team to provide a cohesive development plan. This position reports to the Senior Director, Project Management.

Responsibilities:

• Keen understanding of the drug development process and deliverables at each stage of the pipeline, with a focus on IND enabling studies through clinical proof-of-concept
• Lead projects of varying size and complexity and tailor the project management tools according to the scope of the project.
• Support a variety of projects developing, implementing, and driving adoption of “fit for purpose” tools for augmenting processes across the company.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and resource tracking for assigned projects. Ensure timely and effective stakeholder communication on progress and potential issues.
• In collaboration with Program Lead, drive strategic discussion across functions related to timing of project work related to resource and budget.
• Assist Finance in overall project costs as needed.
• Develop project risk management plans and ensure key risks are mitigated and work with departmental leadership to determine if additional resources are needed to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure alignment between core teams and stakeholders.
• Work with core team to maintain and develop Design and Project History Files.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable company policies and procedures.
• Develop appropriate tools for tracking project and deliverable status and ensuring accountability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree; Advanced degree in a scientific field is a plus
• PMP certification preferred but not required
• 7+ years in a pharmaceutical or biotech development department required
• 3+ years of experience working with and managing projects in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry to include processes of scope development, assist with cost estimating, scheduling, quality control, risk management, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work across several functions including (but not limited to) Clinical, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Pre-clinical, CMC, Quality and Drug Discovery for the purposes of managing processes in the bullet above.
• Experience with leading teams in all phases of the development process from IND enabling workstreams through NDA submission planning.
• Strong time management, organizational and communication (presentation) skills.
• Knowledge, understanding, and direct application of project management best practices. Proficiency with project management tools.
• Growth mindset, ability to thrive in a fluid environment.

Travel:

• This position is remote however some travel (up to 20%) may be necessary for company meetings.