Senior/Principal Operations Manager - Drug Discovery (Medicinal Chemistry/DMPK)

6d6 days ago

Calico Life Sciences

South San Francisco, US · Full-time · $153,000 – $200,000

About this role

Calico Life Sciences is an Alphabet-founded research company harnessing advanced technologies to understand aging biology and devise interventions for longer, healthier lives. The Senior/Principal Operations Manager drives the preclinical drug discovery pipeline from hit generation to clinical candidate nomination. This role bridges internal scientific strategy with internal and external execution.

You will manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects primarily through external CROs, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with high scientific standards. Act as the central hub for communication, planning, and execution across Chemistry, Biology, and DMPK teams. Monitor data quality, troubleshoot protocols, and align technical efforts seamlessly.

Collaborate with Drug Discovery Project Leads, functional leads, and stakeholders to define milestones, deliverables, and Go/No-Go criteria. Facilitate team meetings, develop project plans, and distribute status reports on progress, risks, and mitigations. Proactively identify issues and implement solutions to maintain pipeline momentum.

Join Calico's innovative technology labs and vibrant drug-development pipeline with academic and industry partners. Enable curiosity-driven discovery science in an inspiring environment. Contribute to medical breakthroughs through robust pipeline operations.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field with 2+ years of industrial experience or an M.S.
Deep scientific understanding of the drug discovery process and Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycle
Exceptional organizational skills to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects executed through external CROs
Ability to effectively communicate among internal and external stakeholders
Experience bridging scientific strategy and execution in preclinical drug discovery
Proficiency in monitoring CRO performance, data quality, and timeline adherence
Knowledge of managing contracts, financial tracking, and compliant material transfers

Responsibilities

Act as the 'glue' between Chemistry, Biology and DMPK teams to ensure seamless data flow and resource allocation
Rigorously monitor CRO performance against the agreed-upon SOW, budget, and timeline, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays or scope creep
Ensure clear and consistent communication, monitor data quality, protocol troubleshooting and technical alignment among internal teams, external CROs, and collaborators
Facilitate and document team meetings to enable cross-functional communication, decision-making, and alignment with stakeholders
Work closely with Drug Discovery Project Lead and scientific functional leads to define clear milestones, deliverables, and decision points
Meet regularly with stakeholders to assess project states, identify problems, anticipate delays, and implement solutions
Develop and distribute regular project status reports detailing progress, key findings, risks, and mitigation strategies
Manage project documentation, ensuring all records and data summaries are centralized, current, and audit-ready