Immunology/Translational Biology Study Manager

Job Description: Immunology/Translational Biology Study Manager

Company Description
NeoPhore is a UK-based biotech company targeting the DNA mismatch repair (“MMR”) pathway to discover the next generation of small molecule cancer immunotherapies. NeoPhore collaborates closely with many academic and commercial organisations, including scientific founders Professor Alberto Bardelli and Dr Giovanni Germano at the University of Milan, Italy, and Dr Luis Diaz at MSKCC, New York.

NeoPhore currently has 13 full time employees including a dedicated internal Cancer Cell Biology (CCB) laboratory based at City St George’s University, in South London. NeoPhore now seeks a Immunology/Translational Biology Study Manager to provide logistical and operational support to the team ensuring the smooth execution of experiments outsourced to third parties in a multidisciplinary environment.

Role Description Summary
NeoPhore is seeking an experienced, independent, highly motivated, and rigorous study manager, with a strong desire to contribute to the progression of a novel drug discovery field. Evidence for a flexible and cooperative approach to working in a dynamic, collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment, together with strong team ethic, are essential.

Important aspects of this role are the ability to work and to communicate effectively with team members and internal and external stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds. The ideal candidate will possess a strong desire to work in a fast-moving small molecule-focused translational research environment and needs to be highly self-motivated and organised. This is a remote working role with regular travel required to the CCB in London (UK).
We believe that NeoPhore offers the successful candidate an opportunity to develop their skills and depth of expertise in drug discovery, in the vibrant field of immuno-oncology.

Objectives and Responsibilities of this Role
NeoPhore’s Immunology/Translational Biology Study Manager will be responsible for providing logistical and operational support to the team, contributing to multidisciplinary drug discovery activities outsourced to third parties. Key objectives and responsibilities of this role include:
• Managing the request of proposals and Statements of Work (SoW) to Contract Research Organizations (CROs), from inception to signature
• Logistical and operational support ensuring the smooth execution of experiments at CROs in a multidisciplinary environment (in vivo studies, bioanalytic analysis, sequencing, bioinformatics): organisation and coordination of shipments between CROs and NeoPhore in a timely manner, sample recording and tracking, managing timelines (GANTT chart), and updating internal databases/documents
• Support in managing and coordinating preclinical studies in collaboration with CROs; managing sample/data transfer between parties
• Work closely with the finance team for the execution of legal/finance paperwork related to outsourced studies
• Continually review, monitor, and communicate updates to line manager (Principal Scientist, Immunology) and other colleagues within the business; flag concerns when they arise
• Solid communication with CROs and internal team; developing and proactively enhancing business relationships with CROs

This role will have a great impact on the day-to-day activities at NeoPhore, and the progress of its drug discovery programs.

Previous experience required for this Role
• At least 3 years’ experience in a CRO/Biotech environment
• Highly organized individual with evidence for successful time management and ability to work towards tight deadlines
• Previous project management experience in biotech or CRO environment, in a matrix organisation
• Strong understanding of timelines and dependencies between activities, in a matrix organisation
• Evidence of generating quality output/impact from lab-based experimental projects (e.g. written reports, completed experiments or protocols that helped move a project forward)
• Evidence for independent and practical contribution to anticipate, troubleshoot and problem solving
• Rigorous and strong team player with robust collaboration and communication skills
• Diligent and pro-active in contributing to internal activities
• Previous experience in laboratory environment, as part of a team would be advantageous
• Previous experience interacting with CROs would be advantageous
• Any previous experience in drug discovery, oncology, or in vivo mouse/human immunological studies would be advantageous
• Previous demonstration of logistical and/or operational support would be advantageous

Qualifications
• B.Sc. or Master’s degree in a biological or biomedical subject or equivalent experience

Skills
• Highly organised individual, with exceptional time management and prioritisation skills
• Self-motivated, rigorous, and meticulous individual who thrives working as part of a team
• Excellent inter-personal skills for building and maintaining good working relationships both within the NeoPhore team and with external parties
• Active listening skills that enable effective implementation of plans agreed in team discussions
• Natural ability for anticipating and troubleshooting potential issues

Appointment Details:
This full-time remote working position reports into the Principal Scientist, Immunology. Travel to locations in the UK, including the CCB at City St George’s University, will be required several times per month. Compensation package to be agreed according to experience, including competitive salary, benefits including pension.