Head of Project Team Leadership

Who we are: 

Calico is a research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies to increase our understanding of the biology that controls lifespan. We will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Executing on this mission will require an unprecedented level of interdisciplinary effort and a long-term focus for which funding is already in place.

Position description: 

Calico is seeking a Head of Project Team Leadership to develop and manage a group of Project Team Leaders to provide leadership and direction to the drug discovery and development pipeline compounds as they transition from candidate nomination through IND filing and early development through clinical Proof of Concept (cPOC). The successful candidate should have a proven track record in partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to successfully lead projects/programs teams through all stages of drug development and demonstrated experience developing, mentoring, and managing people.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and manage a team of Project Team Leaders supporting the pipeline compounds. The candidate will also be accountable for leading at least one project/program team
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the Project Team Leaders on their responsibilities and accountabilities for assigned programs. This includes stakeholder management and partnership to develop and refine the program’s strategic overview, timely and strategic cross-functional plans and decisions and present on behalf of the team to Calico’s Drug Development Review Committee (DDRC)
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders and collaborators, including functional leadership, Calico leadership, AbbVie leadership and PTLs to promote a collaborative and successful team dynamic with a high level of sustainable performance
• As appropriate, partner and/or lead in the establishment and improvement of processes to support the drug discovery and development portfolio
• Support PTLs through partnership with key stakeholders, including functional leadership, Finance, Calico and AbbVie leadership to ensure programs are appropriately resourced and in accordance with specified timelines and budgets
• Provide input into assessments of external opportunities for the drug discovery and development pipeline

Position requirements: 

• A PhD degree in life sciences or a scientific discipline related to drug development and/or an MD
• A minimum of 15 years biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience in drug development
• Successful track record of leading cross-functional projects/program teams across diverse therapeutic areas and drug modalities through NDA filing
• Demonstrated, in-depth knowledge of the drug development processes and deliverables at all stages of development
• Experience successfully leading projects/programs with external partners and collaborators
• Experience successfully developing and managing people and leaders
• Excellent leadership skills with exceptional decision making, organizational and analytical skills and the ability to lead through ambiguity
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills as well as a proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationship and promote collaborations

Calico requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment.  As required by applicable law, Calico will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.