COMPANY OVERVIEW
AIRNA is a biotechnology company with a mission to transform lives, one RNA edit at a time.
AIRNA is pioneering the discovery and development of RNA editing therapeutics to realize the therapeutic potential of base editing for patients with rare and common diseases. RNA editing modality is poised to lead the next generation of RNA therapeutics by bringing the precision of gene editing technology with a potent and safe medicine that can be conveniently re-dosed and manufactured. Our RESTORE+™ platform is based on groundbreaking research by academic co-founders Thorsten Stafforst (University of Tübingen) and Jin Billy Li (Stanford University), who were the first to elucidate a therapeutic approach for precise editing of RNA.
AIRNA has received $90 million in Series A financing from world class venture capital firms, including Forbion and Arch Venture Partners, and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with research operations in Tübingen, Germany.
JOB DESCRIPTION
AIRNA is seeking a highly creative and experienced program manager to lead the cross functional team responsible for advancing our lead program into clinical trials. Reporting to the CEO, this individual will collaborate closely with the CSO, clinical, manufacturing, and other functions to progress therapeutic candidates through CTA/IND approval and into first-in-human clinical trials. As the first program management hire, this individual will also help define and build the company’s program management function. AIRNA is a diverse team of positive, energetic individuals passionate about transforming lives through our science, and we are looking for a team player willing to roll up their sleeves to help the company be successful.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The ideal candidate will have significant program management experience, will have led multiple early development programs, coordinated CTA/IND preparation, and contributed to overall program strategy. They will have experience coordinating lean cross-functional teams to deliver results ahead of schedule and on budget.
• Lead program management activities across programs, including development of integrated project plans, timeline/milestone tracking, and internal reporting
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal planning and execution with a sense of urgency, including strategic scenario planning
• Help guide program strategy and facilitate team decision making
• Set program priorities and budget together with leadership, set and manage deadlines, effectively anticipate problems, and lead resolution efforts
• Proactively identify critical path activities, key interdependencies, program risks, and implement mitigation strategies
• Demonstrate efficient meeting management and program operations oversight; establish tools, prepare agendas, meeting minutes and follow-up on action items
• Effectively communicate progress of program to leadership team, and prepare communications to the Board of Directors and external parties (investors, potential partners)
• Take on special projects at the direction of the CEO or CSO
QUALIFICATIONS
• Requires a BS or MS in life sciences or related area (advanced degree e.g. PhD, MD preferred)
• 8+ years experience working in a biopharma company or biopharma consulting company
• Proven experience and track record in program management with demonstrated success filing CTA/INDs. Experience with oligonucleotides is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, manage by influence and navigate uncertainty
• Experience overseeing programs at both pre-clinical and early clinical stages
• Deep understanding of early drug development and program planning including GxP and regulatory requirements
• Expertise introducing and using project management tools to manage timelines and resources (e.g.ThinkCell, MS Project/SmartSheet)
• Understanding of risk management and experience establishing mitigation strategies
LOCATION:
AIRNA has a hybrid work model and the role will be based in AIRNA’s corporate headquarters in Cambridge, MA ~3 days per week.
