Careers

Director, Development Program Management, Oncology

Location: New York, New York, United States

OUR COMPANY

Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage oncology biotech company based in New York City, pioneering novel approaches to treating cancer by targeting chromosomal instability (CIN), a unique vulnerability in cancer. Since its founding in 2019, Volastra has grown to support ongoing discovery efforts and a growing clinical organization.

Our lead pipeline programs focus on two distinct inhibitors of KIF18A, a novel therapeutic target. VLS-1488, internally discovered, entered clinical trials in Q4 2023 for the treatment of advanced cancers. Sovilnesib, in-licensed from Amgen in 2023, re-entered the clinic in Q2 2024. Both assets have been granted Fast-Track Designation by the FDA.

Volastra is backed by top US and European venture firms such as Arch, Polaris, Vida, Droia, Catalio, and B Capital, alongside strategic investment from Eli Lilly. In addition to venture funding, Volastra has established partnerships with oncology leaders. Our senior leadership team is highly experienced, supported by a world-class advisory board.

We are headquartered in West Harlem, New York City, within easy reach of Columbia, Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and surrounding areas. Please visit www.volastratx.com for more information.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director, Development Program Management, Oncology will report to the Chief Medical Officer and act cross-functionally to integrate functions across the organization to ensure smooth and consistent operations and delivery of development programs and milestones. This role requires prior direct experience working on oncology programs during clinical stages of development. The ideal candidate has highly relevant qualifications, excellent communication skills, is detailed-oriented and self-motivated, can navigate internal and external stakeholders, manage program plans, and implement solutions with limited oversight.

Volastra is a fast-paced biotech company of passionate employees, and there is ample opportunity for the ideal candidate to grow and develop with the organization. Individuals will from time to time have the opportunity to gain experience with projects outside their direct scope of work.  

Job is based in NYC and requires a minimum of 50% in-office time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work closely with the Chief Medical Officer to provide integrated view of development activities
  • Work cross-functionally to develop and manage program plans, budgets, timelines, and resources
  • Build and drive agendas for key internal and external R&D meetings, coordinate and facilitate communications across R&D teams, and ensure consistency with the overall R&D strategy
  • Provide guidance and operational support including tracking milestones, prioritizing competing needs, and ensuring engagement and coordination across clinical, research, and business stakeholders
  • Work with leadership and functional leads to develop and implement new systems, procedures or operating models to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, and communication
  • Provide updates on the progress of programs to senior management and stakeholders and assist with executive-level presentations and communications, including board meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 7+ years of experience in a drug development role in a pharmaceutical or biotech company
  • 3+ years of oncology development program management experience working on clinical stage programs
  • Understanding of the drug development process from target identification to marketing authorization
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify key information needed to make decisions
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing timelines, budgets and resources
  • Adaptability to uncertainty or change
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and build team alignment in fast paced programs.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and guide projects forward.
  • Preferred qualifications:
    • Experience with small molecule development programs
    • Advance degree in life sciences or related technical field
    • Prior experience in R&D roles in addition to program management 

SALARY RANGE

Approximately $175,000- $215,000 which may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and ultimate leveling. Leveling outside of Director may be considered for exceptional candidates on a case by case basis.