Research Project Manager

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: 08 Feb 2024

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

Position Summary

  • Pfizer Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Research Project Manager (RPM) to join the Research Project Management team under Portfolio Strategy & Scientific Operations department within Pfizer's Oncology Research Unit (ORU).
  • The RPM will partner with discovery stage Research Project Leaders (RPL) and Nonclinical Project Leaders to develop Discovery project strategy towards selecting drug a candidate and preparing for IND submission. In collaboration with Non-clinical Project Leaders, the RPM continues driving implementation of non-clinical pharmacology activities through registration.
  • The RPMs will be responsible for keeping project information (e.g., goals, milestones, governance) up-to-date in Oncodash by working together with Research Project Leaders and Nonclinical Project Leaders.
  • The RPM is responsible for implementing standard processes and best practices to deliver non-clinical research objectives.
  • The RPM will work closely with the discovery stage Research Project Leaders, Non-clinical Project Leaders, SMEs, and functional leaders to plan and advance concepts/assets from discovery Research stage through registration. There will be a close connection with key Research business partners such as Clinical Manufacturing & Control (CMC), Translational Sciences, Legal and Portfolio & Program Management (PPM) so that Research activities are in line with an overall strategic fit, incorporating overall company goals and perspectives.
  • This position will report to the Research Project Management Lead.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leverage strong project management and facilitation skills to optimize team meetings and drive effective governance interactions and decision making.
  • Responsible for building cross-functional matrix relationships and navigating the organization to integrate various functions as a cohesive effort to drive projects and enhance team dynamics.
  • Manage project timelines, ensuring timelines are aligned with functional activities across the organization (individual project plan, operational portfolio).
  • Monitor and report on project execution and progress against milestones and deliverables.
  • Organize and facilitate regular or ad-hoc meetings with project teams, key stakeholders/SMEs preparing and distributing agendas, minutes, and other materials as needed.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration that will deliver projects on time with agreed standards.
  • Drive planning for stage-gate decision points; guide teams through creation with functional input, governance approval, and execution of project plans.
  • Proactively identify potential risks and help manage and solve the challenges/issues through close collaboration with different parts of the organization.
  • Identify, develop, and implement new processes to facilitate continued evolution of the operations and improve efficiency of the Research organization.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree with minimum 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development.
  • Experience should include 2+ years in a direct project / program management role
  • Strong knowledge of the drug discovery activities especially research and development experience for small molecules required.
  • Solid understanding of drug development and commercialization.
  • Project management foundation and relevant experience on matrix management, budget management, metrics, and leadership communication.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information to a broad audience and demonstrated ability to interact directly and productively with team members and management and to manage and prioritize multiple competing priorities is also required.
  • Ability to lead and engage in complex scientific discussions to develop/summarize clear follow-up/action plans and execute.
  • Strong experience with building relationships, leading strategic initiatives, and programs, and collaborating across divisions with people of diverse business backgrounds and cultures.
  • Highly organized and motivated individual with the ability to work independently/effectively with cross functional matrixed teams.
  • Comfort with ambiguity, driving change and innovation across a matrix.
  • Experience using Project Management software to manage complex program timelines and resources (MS Project, Smartsheet).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Oncology background strongly recommended.
  • PMP certification is a plus.
  • An advanced degree (e.g., MS, PhD, MBA) preferred - if an advanced degree is held then at least 3 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development is required.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $83,500.00 to $139,100.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 10.0% of the base salary. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life's moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer.

Research and Development



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