Project Manager Phd Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

SystImmune is a leading and well-funded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Redmond, WA and Princeton, NJ. It specializes in developing innovative cancer treatments using established drug development platforms, focusing on bi‑specific, multi‑specific antibodies, and antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs). With multiple assets in various stages of clinical trials for solid tumor and hematologic indications, SystImmune also maintains a robust preclinical pipeline of potential cancer therapeutics in the discovery and IND‑enabling stages.

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager, R&D to support cross‑functional planning and execution for oncology biologics programs from early discovery through IND‑enabling activities and IND submission. This role will partner closely with Research, Translational Sciences, Nonclinical, Regulatory, Clinical Pharmacology, and external partners to drive an integrated development strategy, stage‑appropriate planning, risk management, and operational execution.

• Lead cross‑functional project planning and execution for oncology biologics programs spanning target/lead discovery, candidate selection, IND‑enabling studies, CMC development, and IND submission.
• Build, maintain, and drive integrated project plans, timelines, milestones, scenarios, and critical path analyses across multiple functional areas.
• Partner with program leaders and functional heads to define development strategy, key objectives, deliverables, governance milestones, and resource assumptions.
• Facilitate cross‑functional team meetings, sub‑team meetings, and governance reviews; document decisions, action items, risks, and next steps.
• Identify interdependencies, operational risks, and potential bottlenecks early; drive mitigation plans and upscale issues appropriately.
• Ensure alignment across Research, Nonclinical, CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Biomarker/Translational, Quality, and partner organizations.
• Drive program team preparedness for major stage gates, including candidate nomination, development candidate selection, IND‑enabling study initiation, and IND submission.
• Support budget planning, resource tracking, and external partner/CRO coordination as needed.
• Develop concise, decision‑oriented communications for senior leadership, governance bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Track progress against program goals and proactively highlight deviations, trade‑offs, and decision needs.
• Promote disciplined program management practices, clear accountability, and efficient team operations.
• Contribute to portfolio planning and cross‑program prioritization discussions where appropriate.
• Help apply and improve R&D project management tools, templates, dashboards, and best practices.
• Drive scalable adoption of AI‑enabled and digital program management practices, including automation, dashboards, AI‑assisted synthesis, standardized workflows, and data‑driven reporting while ensuring human oversight, data integrity, and compliance.

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in biotech, biopharma, or related life sciences industry.
• 5+ years of project or program management experience supporting drug discovery and/or development programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing biologics programs in oncology or closely related therapeutic areas.
• Strong understanding of drug development from discovery through IND, including: discovery research and candidate selection, IND‑enabling toxicology and pharmacology, CMC and analytical development for biologics, regulatory documentation and IND submission processes.
• Proven ability to lead highly matrixed, cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities with demonstrated experience managing complex timelines, dependencies, and risks.
• Experience preparing executive‑level presentations, status reports, and governance materials.

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD, or MBA) in a relevant scientific or business discipline.
• Experience with monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, ADCs, or other complex biologic modalities in oncology.
• Mandarin‑English bilingual ability.
• PMP or related project management certification is a plus and biotherapeutics life cycles.
• Experience in a fast‑paced, innovation‑driven biotech environment.

• Strategic thinking with strong operational execution.
• Cross‑functional leadership and influence.
• Decision facilitation and issue resolution.
• Planning discipline and attention to detail.
• Agility in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Keep complex oncology biologics programs aligned and moving forward from discovery to IND.
• Create clarity across scientific and development teams around priorities, timelines, and decisions.
• Anticipate risks and dependencies before they become delays.
• Enable efficient governance and high‑quality decision‑making.
• Build trust across functions as a strategic and operational partner.

• May need to work outside of standard working hours at times.
• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite during working hours, with flexibility to work start time. The work location for this role is in Redmond, WA.

The expected base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills. While most offers typically fall within the low to mid‑point of the range, we may extend an offer toward the higher end for exceptional candidates whose background and expertise exceeds the requirements of the role.

SystImmune offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: 100% paid employee premiums for medical/dental/vision, STD, LTD, a 401(k) plan with a 50% company match up to 3% and a vesting schedule of 5 years, 15 PTO days per year, sick leave, 11 paid holidays and additional benefits.

We offer an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making significant contributions to the company’s success.

SystImmune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diverse talent and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.