(Associate) Programme Manager - Discovery

About Maxion  

Maxion has engineered a new class of biologics by harnessing knottins, one of nature’s most potent modulators of ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Combining a knottin with an antibody’s advantageous drug properties, we are developing transformative treatments that reach new levels of specificity and durability for patients with ion channel and GPCR-driven diseases. Initially focused on immunological diseases, heart disorders and chronic pain, our pipeline of proprietary KnotBody® molecules will access targets that have long remained beyond the reach of biologics.

Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team boasts a stellar track record. Dr Schottelius has held senior leadership positions, successfully advancing therapeutics from research to late-stage clinical development and building valuable portfolios of drug candidates and pharma partnerships. Maxion’s co-founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co-founded IONTAS, and together invented KnotBody® technology. Dr McCafferty is also renowned for co-inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co-founding Cambridge Antibody Technology. 

About the Role  

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive (Associate) Programme Manager – Discovery to support the execution of Discovery Research initiatives. This is an on-site position based at our Cambridge (Unity Campus) location, requiring close collaboration with cross-functional scientific teams. Reporting to the Director of Programme Management, the role also acts as a strategic partner to the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). 

The successful candidate will function as a central coordination point for Discovery activities, ensuring efficient information flow, strong programme governance, and adherence to timelines. The role combines programme management discipline with scientific understanding to enable effective delivery of early-stage drug discovery projects. 

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and able to synthesise complex scientific and operational information into clear insights for leadership. 

Key responsibilities 

Discovery Portfolio & Programme Management 

• Own and maintain the Discovery portfolio dashboard as the single source of truth 

• Track milestones against critical paths across projects 

• Maintain governance cadence, documentation, and budget tracking 

• Monitor project health, risks, and variances and escalate where needed 

• Facilitate leadership meetings, action tracking, and decision logs 

Initiative & Project Coordination 

• Lead and coordinate special projects and initiatives 

• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement improvements 

Scientific Communication & Synthesis 

• Provide executive summaries of Discovery progress 

• Support development of scientific presentations 

Alliance Management Support 

• Support coordination and tracking of external collaborations and partnerships 

• Assist in preparing materials for alliance meetings and ensure follow-up on actions and deliverables 

• Help maintain clear communication and alignment between internal teams and external partners 

Internal Collaboration & Engagement 

• Organise seminars, speaker sessions, and internal events 

Candidate Profile  

• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience 

• 1-3 years of experience in programme/project management in biotech or similar 

• Understanding of early-stage drug discovery 

• Proficiency with project management tools 

• Strong organisational and communication skills 

• High level of discretion and integrity 

• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment 

What can we offer you?  

• A competitive salary based on experience  

• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, participation in the company Share Option Scheme, and more. 

• Significant opportunities for career progression within a dynamic company.   

• Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community. 

• Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field. 

• A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team. 

This is a permanent position.  

Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies.  We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.