Drug development: Planning and managing lead optimization and IND-enabling studies (DMPK, safety/toxicology, CMC/formulation) and support regulatory strategy , including pre-IND preparation, with external experts.
External Partners and budgets: Identifying, evaluate, engage and manage CROs and CDMOs, consultanats and other external partners including scope of work, proposals, contracting, timelines, deliverables, performance and data quality; steward program budgets in partnership with the COO’s office and University financial and contracting partners.
Investigator and partner engagement: Build effective working relationships with SPARK investigators, maintaining a regular operating cadence to identify issues, drive decisions, and advance program milestones. Coordinate engagement with internal and external scientific and industry advisors, UVA Licensing & Ventures Group, and other partners to support intellectual property strategy, licensing, company formation, and follow-on funding opportunities.
Student and interdisciplinary teams: Coordinating student and faculty supported project teams across UVA that contribute commercial, market, payer, intellectual property, regulatory and other analysis to SPARK Programs.
Portfolio management and governance: Developing and continuously improve the UVA Manning SPARK portfolio management and governance framework including program intake and selection, stage-gate criteria, decision processes, reporting cadence, metrics, and standard tools. Track portfolio performance and outcomes including INDs, licenses, company formation, and follow-on funding, and preparing decision oriented portfolio dashboards and recommendations for Institute leadership.
SPARK program operations and network management: Manag the annual SPARK Tank competition cycle and serve as a key operational liaison with Stanford SPARK GLOBAL leveraging the network for education, best-practice sharing, expertise, and cross-institution programs.
Performing other duties as assigned in support of the Manning Institutes mission.
Professional Expectations and Values Alignment
The successful candidate pairs scientific credibility with operational rigor, earns the trust of investigators and advisors, and applies project management discipline pragmatically and thoughtfully, without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
In all interactions and responsibilities, the incumbent is expected to model the Manning Institute of Biotechnology’s core values (PIPES):
People First: demonstrating respect, collaboration, and care for faculty, staff, students, partners, and colleagues.
Integrity: acting with honesty, discretion, and accountability in all aspects of work.
Patient Impact: maintaining line-of-sight to how the Institute’s work advances human health and improves patient outcomes.
Entrepreneurship: embracing innovation, adaptability, and creative problem-solving in the face of ambiguity.
Scientific Excellence: supporting rigorous, high-quality science and evidence-based decision-making.
Stewardship: responsibly managing institutional resources, time, and trust in service of the Institute’s mission.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Master's degree required.
Experience: 4+ years of relevant experience required.
Licensure: None (at time of hire), unless otherwise specified by position - PMP certification (required within one year of hire if not held).
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in biomedical or related scientific discipline.
Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
Experience with technology commercialization, licensing, company formation, or building translational programs in an entrepreneurial environment.
At least four years of progressively responsible project or program management experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, or an equivalent translational drug development environment.
Demonstrated experience directly managing one or more therapeutic development programs through major development milestones, including IND-enabling studies, IND submission, or entry into clinical development.
Working knowledge of Target Product Profiles, stage-gate portfolio governance, drug development planning, and IND-enabling strategy.
Experience selecting and managing CROs, CDMOs, consultants, and other external development partners, including scopes of work, budgets, timelines, deliverables, and performance.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously, create accountability across teams without direct authority, and build productive relationships with academic investigators, industry experts, and institutional partners. Excellent written, verbal, and executive communication skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The anticipated hiring range is $115,000–$125,000 commensurate with education and experience.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Additional Requirements
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0088526. Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Academic Recruiter at xmf9ad@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
