Research Project Management Lead

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 is seeking a highly motivated Research Project Management Lead under Portfolio Strategy & Scientific Operations department within Pfizer’s Oncology Research Unit (ORU). The Research Project Management Lead will report to the Head of Portfolio Strategy & Scientific Operations.
The Oncology Research Project Management function is responsible for providing both strategic and operational partnerships to other Research functions under ORU. Members of Research Project Management, which are Research Project Managers (RPMs), will partner with discovery stage Research Project Leaders (RPL) and Non-clinical Project Leaders (PL) to develop discovery project strategy towards selecting drug candidates and preparing for IND submission. In collaboration with Non-Clinical Project Leaders, the Research Project Manager continues driving implementation of non-clinical pharmacology activities through registration.
Key Responsibilities

• The Project Management Lead will lead a team of RPMs focusing on Pfizer’s biologics discovery programs in the Oncology therapeutic area. You will be accountable for ensuring project information (e.g., goals, milestones, governance) is up-to-date in Oncodash and that research projects are progressing to time and budget (via matrix leadership of RPLs and Non-Clinical PLs).
• The Research Project Management Lead is expected to collaborate with other Research Project Management Leads (Antibody Drug Conjugates, large molecules) to develop and execute standardized processes and best Research practices to advance Pfizer’s Oncology pipeline projects in all stages. You will liaise with functional leads within and outside ORU for execution of non-clinical research to meet Research goals including milestone deliverables through registration.
• Accountable for leading complex, cross-functional Research projects/programs and initiatives to ensure delivery on time and to budget, maintaining momentum and effectiveness in the Research portfolio and delivery of medicine candidates to Early Clinical Development.
• Responsible for building and maintain matrix leadership relationships with senior leaders from non-Research functions (e.g., PPM, Tech Dev, Translational Science, etc.) to ensure research project delivery as above.
• Ensure rigor from RPMs and Research project teams in development of project map and project plan, which includes proactively anticipating potential challenges and risks, and puts mitigation plans in place.
• Engage and negotiate with partnering groups within and outside Research, such as Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Early and Late Clinical Development, Legal/IP, Regulatory Strategy, and Project & Portfolio Management to ensure critical path activities are identified and prioritized to achieve Research project objectives and milestones.
• Contribute to development of research project strategy and to definition of clear go/no-go criteria for non-clinical research activities through registration.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate resourcing / op planning for research projects, and ongoing management of resources to ensure continued momentum in the Research pipeline.
• Accountable for documenting key project information, decisions, actions, key modifications to scope, resources, timelines, and milestones. Ensure project management systems are up to date (MS Project, Smart Sheet, Power BI dashboards, etc.).
• Responsible for actively tracking leading indicators of teams’ progress towards reaching major milestones (e.g., timeline, goals) and mitigating/escalating risks to delivery of goals as appropriate.
• Ensure research projects have access to appropriate benchmarking material/test articles to maintain delivery timelines, using project/portfolio tracking tools.
• Responsible for program updates to Senior Management, proactively and in timely manner.
• Lead introduction and implementation of project management related strategic initiatives that will improve how the Research Project Management team works and impact the overall Research project teams.
• Collaborate with other teams within Research Portfolio Strategy & Scientific Operations, such as Alliances & Portfolio Operations, Scientific Regulatory Strategy, for process improvement initiatives to accelerate project timelines and phase transitions and incorporating strategic option analysis and risk management into project strategy/plans.
• Foster a high performance team through continuous improvement and innovations in project management arena.
• Accountable for performance of RPMs within the group; manage, mentor, and coach the team members. Ensure the RPMs implement all general guidance and approaches (e.g., PM tools, trackers, templates). Support the RPMs for their high performance and further development.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or health related field required.
• If possessing a Bachelor's degree, have a minimum of 14 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 8 years of the experience specifically in project/program management.
• If possessing a master’s degree (MS/MBA), have a minimum of 12 years’ experience, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 8 years of the experience specifically in project/program management.
• If in possession of a PhD/PharmD, have a minimum of 9 years’ experience, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 8 years of the experience specifically in project/program management.
• In all cases have a minimum of 5 years of people management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the drug discovery activities especially research and development experience for small molecules required, with clinical oncology drug development experience preferred.
• Experience using Project Management software to manage complex program timelines and resources (MS Project, Smartsheet). Deep insights to additional project management tools for driving operational excellence is preferred.
• Strong managerial and mentoring ability with a clear vision to lead team members on challenging tasks and complex issues.
  

Preferred Qualiifications

• Advanced science degree preferred (MS, PhD, MBA, PharmD).
  

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $161,600.00 to $269,400.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. 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. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
Research and Development