R&D Project Manager III (San Mateo)
Net2Source (N2S), San Mateo, CA, United States
Job Title:
R&D Project Manager III
Location:
Foster City, CA 94404
Hybrid - onsite at least 3 days per week
Duration:
08 months contract
Position Summary
The Research Strategy, Innovation & Portfolio Management group is seeking a highly motivated R&D Project Manager to drive the coordination and progression of scientific research programs within a cross-functional environment.
This role focuses on advancing research programs toward clinical development through strong stakeholder engagement, structured project management, and effective team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Program Management
Lead and manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables
Drive research programs toward clinical development milestones
Build and maintain project plans, timelines, and resource allocation
Identify risks, track progress, and ensure timely execution
Team Leadership & Coordination
Establish and manage cross-functional sub-teams
Assess team effectiveness and resolve team-related challenges
Facilitate collaboration across scientific and operational stakeholders
Governance & Development Support
Support preparation for governance meetings and milestone reviews
Assist teams preparing molecules for clinical development presentation
Ensure readiness and execution of key research and development milestones
Operational Execution
Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Organize meetings, document outcomes, and track action items
Handle administrative and coordination tasks related to project execution
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Lead and attend project meetings
Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders
Track project timelines and deliverables
Prepare meeting notes and documentation
Support operational and administrative activities
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or
Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience
Experience in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist or project manager
Exposure to drug development processes
Experience working on cross-functional project teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing compounds in clinical phases I-III
Background in both research and non-clinical development
Experience transitioning compounds from IND to early clinical phases
Familiarity with biomarkers and later-stage development processes
Scientific or bench research experience
Technical & Domain Knowledge
Understanding of scientific concepts such as PK, EC50, and biomarkers
Familiarity with clinical and regulatory terminology (e.g., LPLV)
Experience across therapeutic areas such as virology, inflammation, and oncology
Core Skills
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Self-motivated, resourceful, and process-oriented
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
High technical and analytical competence
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)
Zoom
Smartsheet and SharePoint (preferred)
Ideal Candidate Profile
Combination of research and clinical development experience
Proven ability to manage projects involving compounds in clinical stages while supporting non-clinical work
Able to start quickly with minimal onboarding
Not a Fit
Candidates with only clinical operations experience
Analytical project managers without research exposure
Profiles limited to early discovery with no clinical experience
Candidates lacking non-clinical research experience
Flexible Considerations
Candidates without formal PM titles but with strong project ownership
Early-career candidates with high learning agility
PhD candidates with relevant industry and project management experience
Interview Process
Initial phone screening
Followed by panel or onsite interview
Additional Notes
Portfolio management experience is not required
Phase IV experience is not needed
Focus is on Phase I - III development
Preference for candidates who can contribute with minimal ramp-up time
R&D Project Manager III
Location:
Foster City, CA 94404
Hybrid - onsite at least 3 days per week
Duration:
08 months contract
Position Summary
The Research Strategy, Innovation & Portfolio Management group is seeking a highly motivated R&D Project Manager to drive the coordination and progression of scientific research programs within a cross-functional environment.
This role focuses on advancing research programs toward clinical development through strong stakeholder engagement, structured project management, and effective team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Program Management
Lead and manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and deliverables
Drive research programs toward clinical development milestones
Build and maintain project plans, timelines, and resource allocation
Identify risks, track progress, and ensure timely execution
Team Leadership & Coordination
Establish and manage cross-functional sub-teams
Assess team effectiveness and resolve team-related challenges
Facilitate collaboration across scientific and operational stakeholders
Governance & Development Support
Support preparation for governance meetings and milestone reviews
Assist teams preparing molecules for clinical development presentation
Ensure readiness and execution of key research and development milestones
Operational Execution
Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Organize meetings, document outcomes, and track action items
Handle administrative and coordination tasks related to project execution
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Lead and attend project meetings
Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders
Track project timelines and deliverables
Prepare meeting notes and documentation
Support operational and administrative activities
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or
Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience
Experience in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist or project manager
Exposure to drug development processes
Experience working on cross-functional project teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing compounds in clinical phases I-III
Background in both research and non-clinical development
Experience transitioning compounds from IND to early clinical phases
Familiarity with biomarkers and later-stage development processes
Scientific or bench research experience
Technical & Domain Knowledge
Understanding of scientific concepts such as PK, EC50, and biomarkers
Familiarity with clinical and regulatory terminology (e.g., LPLV)
Experience across therapeutic areas such as virology, inflammation, and oncology
Core Skills
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Self-motivated, resourceful, and process-oriented
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
High technical and analytical competence
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)
Zoom
Smartsheet and SharePoint (preferred)
Ideal Candidate Profile
Combination of research and clinical development experience
Proven ability to manage projects involving compounds in clinical stages while supporting non-clinical work
Able to start quickly with minimal onboarding
Not a Fit
Candidates with only clinical operations experience
Analytical project managers without research exposure
Profiles limited to early discovery with no clinical experience
Candidates lacking non-clinical research experience
Flexible Considerations
Candidates without formal PM titles but with strong project ownership
Early-career candidates with high learning agility
PhD candidates with relevant industry and project management experience
Interview Process
Initial phone screening
Followed by panel or onsite interview
Additional Notes
Portfolio management experience is not required
Phase IV experience is not needed
Focus is on Phase I - III development
Preference for candidates who can contribute with minimal ramp-up time