R&D Project Manager

Orion Pharma has established a new Biologics Research & Development Center in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Center represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Center’s mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.

The Biologics R&D Center will complement Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).

Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.

We are seeking an R&D Project Manager with a proven track record of taking ADC drug candidates from Research into the clinic. Working closely with the Scientific/Biology leads, you will leverage your knowledge of and experience in the ADC field and your project leadership skills to guide the early development activities (after the lead candidate nomination) of the Orion Pharma ADC pipeline.

Your responsibilities include the following:

• Scientific leadership of the ADC projects in early development at Orion Pharma
• Collaboratively working with the Scientific/Biology leads of ADC programs
• Coordinating the work of multi-functional project teams and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality clinical trial applications
• Acting as a subject matter expert in the ADC field, including understanding the applicability to the ADC Mechanism of Action of receptor targets, knowledge of various antibody conjugation techniques, linkers and payloads
• Contributing to the technology scouting and platform development activities at Orion Pharma

The R&D Project Manager will report to the Head of the Project Management and Operations Department, Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

Description of our organization

Orion Pharma’s Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.

We offer

This opportunity is within the Project Management and Operations Department in Cambridge, UK.It offers a unique chance for a motivated and seasoned ADC expert to contribute to the advancement of Orion Pharma ADC platform and preclinical projects.

A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.

The exciting potential to support innovation and have an impact on future therapies for patients.

Academic degree (PhD) in natural sciences (e.g. biochemistry, chemistry, immunology, pharmacy, medicine or similar) with a minimum of 7 years of biotech/pharmaceutical experience in the field of ADC research and development.

• Excellent scientific understanding and knowledge of the challenges and trends of ADC technology (conjugation, linkers and payloads).
• Opinion regarding the characteristics making particular targets more or less amenable to the ADC mechanism of action and how this applicability may be influenced by specific linker-payload chemistry.
• Experience of leading Biologics projects, notably ADCs, throughout the preclinical stage and into Phase 1.
• Familiarity with the IND/CTA submission process.
• Proficiency in project management skills, like project planning, cost estimation and risk management/mitigation.
• Proven ability to successfully manage the work of…