"Assistant Director, Strategic Alliances"

Job Description

Help Us Bring a Life-Changing Antibody Therapy to Patients! Located within the Department of Molecular Metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Hotamışlıgil Lab is at the forefront of uncovering the molecular roots of metabolic diseases. Our research delves into how obesity and aging contribute to disease clusters such as diabetes, fatty liver and pulmonary diseases, and atherosclerosis—with the ultimate goal of translating these discoveries into innovative therapies.

We are globally recognized for pioneering work in “immunometabolism”—a field that explores the powerful interplay between the metabolic and immune systems in driving chronic disease. Over the past two decades, our team has made groundbreaking discoveries in organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism, leveraging advanced biochemical, genetic, and physiological approaches to identify novel pathways and potential treatments for some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

But what truly sets our lab apart is our collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture. We believe science flourishes when people from diverse backgrounds unite behind a shared mission: to ask bold questions and envision solutions that make a positive difference in human health. Join us as we work together to unravel biological mysteries and pave the way for life-changing breakthroughs.

We are on a mission to develop a first-in-class therapeutic antibody that has the promise to target a wide range of devastating metabolic diseases. As we prepare to advance our program to IND submission, we are seeking a proactive and scientifically minded Senior Project Manager to orchestrate our efforts between our internal team, partner biotech companies, CROs, and regulatory agencies.

In this pivotal role, you will lead our pathway from scientific discovery to clinical application—ensuring we are optimizing our time and financial resources, and maintaining regulatory compliance in our research and data management so that we can achieve our goals. This role will require a high degree of accountability with regular interactions with all parties involved, including thinking strategically to discern, develop, and maximize the value of potential partnerships.

Learn more about our work at: https://www.gsh.sph.harvard.edu

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director will oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of high-impact collaborations. This role benefits from a strong scientific background, exceptional project management skills, and the ability to navigate the academic–industry interface to advance research and innovation.

Acting as a trusted “right hand” to the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will provide strategic, operational, and logistical support to ensure that partnership initiatives run smoothly, deliverables are met, and institutional goals are achieved.

Strategic Alliance Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CRO and industry partners, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Identify and develop new project opportunities for corporate sponsorship.
• Negotiate project scopes, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with the PI/faculty chair, legal, and technology transfer offices.
• Ensure alignment of partnership activities with institutional research goals, compliance requirements, and sponsor expectations.

Right-Hand Support to PI

• Partner closely with the PI to anticipate needs, address challenges, and streamline decision-making.
• Prepare briefing materials, data summaries, and strategic recommendations for the PI to use in negotiations, presentations, and meetings.
• Represent the PI in certain partner communications and internal working groups, as delegated.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams of faculty, research staff, regulatory personnel, and external partners to achieve project objectives. Note: this role does not have direct reports, rather leads through influence.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor progress and provide regular updates to the PI/faculty chair and other stakeholders, escalating issues when necessary.

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate contracting processes, intellectual property considerations, and data sharing agreements in collaboration with relevant administrative offices.
• Champion outstanding record-keeping and data analysis to guide decisive action and support regulatory filings.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of progress reports, regulatory documentation, and milestone deliverables.
• Maintain accurate project records in compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Facilitate regular meetings, presentations, and workshops with internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable information for varied audiences, including senior leadership and industry executives.
• Represent the university and/or the PI at conferences, industry forums, and partner visits.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• 7+ years of relevant experience is required.

Additional Qualifications:

The following job-related skills and experience is preferred:

• MA or advanced degree such as PhD in scientific area and MBA, Master's in Management, Project Management, or related field is a plus; PhD (especially in metabolism studies) is strongly preferred
• 10+ years of industry experience is a strong plus
• Biopharma/biotech industry experience is a strong plus
• Track record in successful business development and complex project management
• Experience working in academia
• Wet lab experience in biologics or immunology is highly valued
• Hands-on involvement in therapeutic antibody development
• Familiarity with intellectual property in drug development: you understand the basics of patents, invention disclosures, and protecting scientific discoveries
• Experience with identifying or supporting new opportunities for corporate sponsorship and industry partnerships
• Background or strong interest in metabolic disease and/or immunology
• Familiarity with data mining, project tracking software, and robust record-keeping
• Strategic Thinking and Execution
• Cross-Sector Communication
• Scientific and Regulatory Literacy
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Adaptability and Problem Solving
• Understanding of the necessity for proper handling of pre-published confidential research data
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and motivation
• Experience working independently and with a team
• Proven excellence in communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 2 year from hire with possibility of extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal