Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a assistant director, strategic alliances to support the translation of breakthrough immunometabolism research into a first-in-class therapeutic antibody. This role sits at the intersection of academic discovery, industry collaboration, and clinical development, helping move science from lab to patients.

Key Points for Applicants

• Role Overview
  This position (Assistant Director / Senior Project Manager level) plays a central role in advancing a novel antibody therapy targeting metabolic diseases. The role supports the Principal Investigator and research team by coordinating scientific, operational, regulatory, and partnership activities required to progress toward IND submission and beyond.
• Research Environment
  The role is based within the Department of Molecular Metabolism at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in a globally leading lab known for pioneering work in immunometabolism, lipid metabolism, and organelle biology. The environment is highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and impact-driven.
• Core Responsibilities
  • Act as the strategic and operational “right hand” to the Principal Investigator
  • Manage high-impact collaborations with biotech companies, CROs, and external partners
  • Lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects without direct reports, influencing through coordination and expertise
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies
  • Coordinate contracts, intellectual property considerations, and data-sharing agreements
  • Ensure regulatory readiness through strong documentation, data integrity, and reporting
  • Prepare briefings, summaries, and strategic recommendations for leadership and negotiations
  • Represent the lab and institution in meetings, presentations, conferences, and partner engagements
  • Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable communication for diverse audiences
• Who Should Apply
  Candidates should have at least a Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience. Advanced degrees (PhD strongly preferred), especially in metabolism, immunology, or biomedical sciences, are highly valued. Experience in biotech, biopharma, therapeutic antibody development, or academia–industry collaboration is a strong advantage.
• Desired Skill Set
  • Strong scientific literacy and understanding of translational research
  • Proven project and alliance management experience
  • Familiarity with regulatory processes, IP in drug development, and confidential data handling
  • Strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and cross-sector communication ability
  • High level of organization, initiative, and problem-solving capacity
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-accountability environments
• Employment Conditions
  • Full-time staff role (35 hours/week), primarily on-campus in Boston, MA
  • Term appointment (initially 1–2 years) with possibility of extension
  • Competitive salary aligned with Harvard salary grade 058
  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid leave, wellbeing resources, and professional development
• Additional Notes
  Visa sponsorship is not available. Pre-employment screening applies. Some evening, on-call, and travel commitments may be required.

This role is ideal for a scientifically grounded leader who wants to accelerate real-world impact by bridging discovery, industry, and clinical translation.