Debut is seeking a Program Director, Synthetic Biology Technology Platforms for both internal and external R&D programs. The candidate will report directly to the CEO and will have a 360-degree view of our internal and partnered projects. The candidate will establish and track key performance indicators for each program including risk analyses and mitigation strategies to ensure the programs are on time and within budget. The Project Director will utilize existing project management software to manage executive dashboards and projects. The role will advise cross functional leaders on timelines, milestones, risks, and budget. The candidate must be well versed in synthetic biology, project management and must be highly organized and detail oriented. The candidate will build the project management function at Debut and will meet with the CEO daily to keep the leadership team informed of progress. Candidate will be external facing, managing relationships with partners and clients.

Essential Functions

• Strong experience with project management software to organize and summarize project status for executive level review. Previous experience utilizing “Monday” preferred.
• Assimilate project goals, scope of work, build project strategy, and delegate accordingly.
• Conduct cost analyses, estimating expected costs and cashflow for the project.
• Conduct risk assessments, reports identified risks to leadership, and provides risk mitigation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to make clear decisions.
• Work with cross functional teams to deliver projects on time, to specifications, and within budget.
• Manage external relationships with partners and clients.
• Proven supervisory and leadership skills with focus on building a collaborative environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor of Science degree and 10+ years of project management experience. A PhD in biotechnology or a related discipline is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing R&D projects in life science or a related discipline.
• Experience with R&D in production, fermentation, metabolic engineering, enzyme engineering, and/or downstream processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Organized and high attention to detail.
• Solid time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of the project or product being developed, or ability to learn quickly.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 or related software.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.
• Frequent sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
• Occasional walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of files weighing up to 15 pounds.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment as needed.

Condition of Employment:

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary Range: $120,000 – 180,000