Director, Program Management, Neurology
BlueRock Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is aclinical-stageengineered cell therapy company pioneering a new generation of cellular medicines. Powered by our proprietary
CELL+GENE™ platform
, we direct cellular differentiation and apply precise genetic engineering to create transformative therapies for patients with serious neurological and ophthalmological diseases. Founded in 2016, BlueRock sits at the intersection of stem cell biology and genetic engineering. Our mission is to deliver authentic, functional cell therapies that address the root causes of disease—and to bring durable hope to patients with limited or no treatment options. What We Do Our foundational science enables the generation anddirecteddifferentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells for allogeneic cell therapies. We are driven by scientific rigor, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to patients as we help shape the future of regenerative medicine. Our Neurology Vision BlueRock is advancing a differentiated pipeline of cell therapies in neurology focused on neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. Our lead program,
bemdaneprocel(DA01)
, is afirst in classallogeneic cell therapy designed to replace lost dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease and is currently in Phase 3 development (exPDite2) across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Our emerging neurology programs, including
DA02
and
MG0X
, are in research stages and targetadditionalhighimpact neurological conditions. Together, these programs reflect our ambition to restore function,slowor halt disease progression, and meaningfully transform standards of care. Our Ophthalmology Vision BlueRock is expanding its CELL+GENE™ platform into ophthalmology to address critical unmet needs in retinal disease. Our lead ophthalmology program,
OpCT001
, is a first-in-class allogeneic cell therapy designed to replace damaged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in patients with advanced retinal disorders, including geographic atrophy secondary toage relatedmacular degeneration. OpCT001 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical study (CLARICO). Across all programs, BlueRock is committed to the highest standards of scientific excellence, ethics, compliance, andpatient centricdecision making, supported by a collaborative and inclusive culture. About the Role The
Director, Program Management – DA02
will provide strategic and operational leadership for the DA02 neurology program as it advances toward IND submission andfirst in humanclinical studies. This is a highly visible role that sits at the center ofcross-functionalexecution, ensuring alignment to program strategy, timelines, resources, and enterpriseobjectivesas thisnext generationcell therapy progresses. Reporting to the
Vice President, Clinical Development – Neurology
, this role partners closely with program and platform leaders to translate strategy into integrated, executable plans spanning CMC, nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and supporting functions. The position is based atBlueRock’sheadquarters in
Cambridge, MA
, with flexibility for a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate bringsa strong foundationin scientific, technical, or operational roles within biopharma, coupled with deep experience in program leadership acrossIND enablingand early clinical development. Success in this role requires exceptional collaboration, clarity of communication, sound judgment, and a genuine passion for advancing innovative medicinestopatients. Responsibilities
Partner with program and functional leaders to define and refine program strategy and drive disciplined operational execution. Develop,maintain, and continuouslyoptimizeintegrated program plans encompassing CMC, nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and enabling activities. Maintain a holistic view of program status, proactivelyidentifyingrisks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies, and communicating clearly with stakeholders. Drive alignment anddecisionmakingaround goals, milestones, timelines, budgets, assumptions, and critical path activities. Translate corporate strategy into actionable team and individualobjectives, with regular progress assessment. Governance, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead andfacilitateprogram team and governance meetings, including agenda development, preparation of materials, clear documentation, andfollowup. Collaborate with functional leaders on budget and resource planning. Communicate program progress and outlook across the organization with transparency and clarity. Contribute to the evolution of program management best practices, tools, and operating models. Champion innovative tools, processes, and ways of working that enhance execution in the cell therapy development environment. Provide coaching and mentorship to team members. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field (advanced degree preferred: MS, PhD, PharmD, MD, NP, or PA). Minimum of 10 years of industry experience, including 5–7 years in program or project management leadership within biopharma. Demonstrated experience advancing programs through IND submission and into clinical development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a matrix environment. Proven effectiveness incross functionalleadership and stakeholder relationship management. Experience in cell or gene therapy is preferred; candidates without direct experience mustdemonstratestrong interest and aptitude to deeply understandBlueRock’stechnology. Proficiencywith MS Project and/or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint. Formal program management training or certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus. Travel periodically to BlueRock locations (Cambridge, NYC, Toronto)or other geographies as needed for the program (scientific meetings, regulatory engagements,etc). SETH ETTENBERG, PH.D. Top 5% of Similar Sized Companies on Comparably Awards
Reviews from current employees
Seeing my colleagues every day Bluerock's employees care about each other and about patients. We really have a strong sense of community. Our LT acknowledges areas for improvement and makes intentional efforts to "be better" or "do better". They have the right attitude even in difficult or challenging times. BlueRock Therapeutics' Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) is 70, as rated by 180 employees. This means 75% of BlueRock Therapeutics employees would encourage their friends to become coworkers today. 3 Cool Reasons to Work at BlueRock Therapeutics #J-18808-Ljbffr
CELL+GENE™ platform
, we direct cellular differentiation and apply precise genetic engineering to create transformative therapies for patients with serious neurological and ophthalmological diseases. Founded in 2016, BlueRock sits at the intersection of stem cell biology and genetic engineering. Our mission is to deliver authentic, functional cell therapies that address the root causes of disease—and to bring durable hope to patients with limited or no treatment options. What We Do Our foundational science enables the generation anddirecteddifferentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells for allogeneic cell therapies. We are driven by scientific rigor, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to patients as we help shape the future of regenerative medicine. Our Neurology Vision BlueRock is advancing a differentiated pipeline of cell therapies in neurology focused on neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. Our lead program,
bemdaneprocel(DA01)
, is afirst in classallogeneic cell therapy designed to replace lost dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease and is currently in Phase 3 development (exPDite2) across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Our emerging neurology programs, including
DA02
and
MG0X
, are in research stages and targetadditionalhighimpact neurological conditions. Together, these programs reflect our ambition to restore function,slowor halt disease progression, and meaningfully transform standards of care. Our Ophthalmology Vision BlueRock is expanding its CELL+GENE™ platform into ophthalmology to address critical unmet needs in retinal disease. Our lead ophthalmology program,
OpCT001
, is a first-in-class allogeneic cell therapy designed to replace damaged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in patients with advanced retinal disorders, including geographic atrophy secondary toage relatedmacular degeneration. OpCT001 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical study (CLARICO). Across all programs, BlueRock is committed to the highest standards of scientific excellence, ethics, compliance, andpatient centricdecision making, supported by a collaborative and inclusive culture. About the Role The
Director, Program Management – DA02
will provide strategic and operational leadership for the DA02 neurology program as it advances toward IND submission andfirst in humanclinical studies. This is a highly visible role that sits at the center ofcross-functionalexecution, ensuring alignment to program strategy, timelines, resources, and enterpriseobjectivesas thisnext generationcell therapy progresses. Reporting to the
Vice President, Clinical Development – Neurology
, this role partners closely with program and platform leaders to translate strategy into integrated, executable plans spanning CMC, nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and supporting functions. The position is based atBlueRock’sheadquarters in
Cambridge, MA
, with flexibility for a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate bringsa strong foundationin scientific, technical, or operational roles within biopharma, coupled with deep experience in program leadership acrossIND enablingand early clinical development. Success in this role requires exceptional collaboration, clarity of communication, sound judgment, and a genuine passion for advancing innovative medicinestopatients. Responsibilities
Partner with program and functional leaders to define and refine program strategy and drive disciplined operational execution. Develop,maintain, and continuouslyoptimizeintegrated program plans encompassing CMC, nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and enabling activities. Maintain a holistic view of program status, proactivelyidentifyingrisks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies, and communicating clearly with stakeholders. Drive alignment anddecisionmakingaround goals, milestones, timelines, budgets, assumptions, and critical path activities. Translate corporate strategy into actionable team and individualobjectives, with regular progress assessment. Governance, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead andfacilitateprogram team and governance meetings, including agenda development, preparation of materials, clear documentation, andfollowup. Collaborate with functional leaders on budget and resource planning. Communicate program progress and outlook across the organization with transparency and clarity. Contribute to the evolution of program management best practices, tools, and operating models. Champion innovative tools, processes, and ways of working that enhance execution in the cell therapy development environment. Provide coaching and mentorship to team members. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field (advanced degree preferred: MS, PhD, PharmD, MD, NP, or PA). Minimum of 10 years of industry experience, including 5–7 years in program or project management leadership within biopharma. Demonstrated experience advancing programs through IND submission and into clinical development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a matrix environment. Proven effectiveness incross functionalleadership and stakeholder relationship management. Experience in cell or gene therapy is preferred; candidates without direct experience mustdemonstratestrong interest and aptitude to deeply understandBlueRock’stechnology. Proficiencywith MS Project and/or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint. Formal program management training or certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus. Travel periodically to BlueRock locations (Cambridge, NYC, Toronto)or other geographies as needed for the program (scientific meetings, regulatory engagements,etc). SETH ETTENBERG, PH.D. Top 5% of Similar Sized Companies on Comparably Awards
Reviews from current employees
Seeing my colleagues every day Bluerock's employees care about each other and about patients. We really have a strong sense of community. Our LT acknowledges areas for improvement and makes intentional efforts to "be better" or "do better". They have the right attitude even in difficult or challenging times. BlueRock Therapeutics' Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) is 70, as rated by 180 employees. This means 75% of BlueRock Therapeutics employees would encourage their friends to become coworkers today. 3 Cool Reasons to Work at BlueRock Therapeutics #J-18808-Ljbffr