Outsourcing Manager - Drug Discovery

A pioneering pharmatech company is rapidly expanding its drug discovery pipeline, aiming to accelerate the development of innovative treatments for critical diseases such as immuno-oncology.

By combining quantum-inspired physics algorithms with generative AI, the company designs novel drug candidates without relying on experimental data. This cutting-edge approach has already delivered multiple drug discovery successes, both internally and through pharmaceutical collaborations, with its most advanced programs now in in vivo optimization.

In this role, you will work closely with program teams to design and oversee assay cascades while managing outsourcing partners (CROs). With a strong CRO network supporting chemical synthesis and biological experiments, the company relies on external partnerships to drive its research forward. This position involves cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance discovery programs and identify future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Outsourcing strategy:Identify needs of CROs based on discussion with program and tech teams
• Outsourcing management:Find and negotiate with new CROs, measure and challenge performance across drug discovery programs
• Project Management Assistance: Support to the program leaders to plan and coordinate biological studies e.g. help build detailed project flowcharts that outline the progression from hit generation to preclinical candidate nomination, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Biological assays review: Challenge assays protocols and experimental results in collaboration with the program team, and if needed by leveraging external experts
• Decision Support:Monitor project outcomes, participate in discussions around findings, and contribute recommendations to project teams for data-driven decision-making.
• Outsourcing operations:Coordinate with Finance manager to keep track of invoices and costs
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, medicinal chemists, and project managers, sharing your biological expertise and scientific insight to support project success.

Experience

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field is required.
• 5+ years of experience in drug discovery, ideally within pharmaceutical or biotechnology or CRO companies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing outsourced studies and collaborating with CROs is essential.
• Hands-on experience in drug discovery, preferably within pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
• Strong background in biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology with experience in developing in vivo and in vitro assays.
• Familiarity with DMPK concepts and their application in drug discovery workflows.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to multidisciplinary project discussions.