Project Team Leader

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

The Project Team Leader (PTL) will partner with key stakeholders to define the vision and drug discovery and integrated development strategy for assigned programs, and to provide experienced leadership and direction to their respective cross-functional teams.  

Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic and scientific leadership for cross-functional Project Teams focused on the development of molecules as they transition from candidate nomination through clinical development​


• Presents recommended strategy to Calico’s Drug Development Review Committee (DDRC) for endorsement and funding and brings team’s best thinking forward to governance


• Updates strategy based on emerging scientific data and changes in competitive landscape and seeks DDRC endorsement


• Be responsible for ensuring cross-functional matrix decisions are made in a timely manner and are aligned with DDRC-endorsed plans


• Serves as primary advocate and spokesperson for the program; keeps Senior Leadership and team informed


• Facilitates identification and resolution of issues/gaps; identification of risks and risk-mitigation strategies​


• Be responsible for ensuring strategic options are considered and evaluated, weighing speed, cost, and probability of technical and regulatory success


• Champions responsible stewardship of resources for the project and ensures on time, within budget delivery of approved strategy, aligned with corporate goals


• Ensures Project Teams achieve and maintain a high level of sustainable performance


• Fosters a team culture of excellence, ownership, continuous improvement and recognizes team achievements


• Ensures the opinions and perspectives of internal and external partners and stakeholders, including AbbVie, are heard and understood


• Provides support and guidance for sub-teams; in particular, the PTL is accountable for ensuring effective integration of team viewpoints across sub-teams


• As deemed appropriate, contributes to the establishment and improvement of processes to support the drug discovery and development portfolio


• For projects that achieve clinical proof-of-concept (cPOC), the PTL is responsible for partnering closely with key stakeholders and the assigned AbbVie Asset Strategy Leader (ASL) to ensure the vision for the molecule is carried through during the leadership transition

Position Requirements:

• A PhD degree in life sciences or a scientific discipline related to drug development and/or an MD/PharmD


• At least 10 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development, preferably in early-mid stage clinical drug development through initial registration


• Ideal candidate will have experience in neuroscience and/or rare disease development


• Excellent knowledge of drug development processes and deliverables at each stage of the pipeline


• Successful track record of leading projects/program teams in a cross-functional team environment from pre-IND-enabling activities through mid-stage clinical development (ideally through NDA filing)


• Experience successfully leading projects with participation by external collaborators


• Excellent leadership and influencing skills with exceptional decision-making and analytical skills 


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationships, promote collaborations, and to lead through the ambiguity of developing novel therapeutics in unchartered territory


• Must be willing to work onsite at least 4 days a week

The estimated base salary range for this role is $311,000 - $326,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.