Associate Director/Director, Project Management

Company Overview:  
At Kernal Bio, we engineer human cells inside the body using selective mRNA-LNP technology to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Our AI-designed mRNAs, delivered via antibody-decorated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), ensure precise targeting and minimize off-target effects. Our KR-402 program focuses on hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders, achieving >90% in vivo delivery efficiency with T-cell-targeted LNPs. The KR-335 program, targeting solid tumors resistant to standard immunotherapies, shows a 100x therapeutic index with strong efficacy and tolerability in preclinical models, including mice and non-human primates.

With roots at MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, our management team has spearheaded the development of three FDA-approved therapies and holds over 120 patents. Based in Cambridge, MA, and backed by Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, and NASA, Kernal Bio is revolutionizing mRNA therapeutics by leveraging AI to deliver precision treatments within the body.

Job Summary
Kernal Bio is seeking an exceptional, highly motivated Associate Director/Director of Project Management to lead the advancement of Kernal’s mRNA 2.0 programs into the clinic and beyond. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management and drug development best practices from research through Phase 2 clinical studies with mRNA-LNP therapeutics. The candidate must be technically adept, have great communication skills, in depth knowledge of drug development, and have the ability to motivate and manage cross functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Short-term and long-term management of pre-clinical and clinical programs
• Build and manage fully integrated timelines capturing all activities, resources, and budget needed to delivery individual project/program.
• Coordinate activities with internal stakeholders and external partners including but not limited to CTOs, CROs, CDMOs, and clinicians.
• Identify clear program objectives, success criteria and recommend risk mitigation actions (e.g., maintain risk register).
• Monitor project/program progress and identify risks and opportunities to timeline, budget, or scope
• Drive program teams towards the delivery of project milestones on time, on budget, and within scope through utilization of project management tools
• Manage program budget and schedule compliance Day to day management, Lead the PM group as a role model and mentor
• Establish best PM practices and tools that impact the company culture and performance
• Create culture of high performing teams with clear accountabilities, robust scientific debate and respectful interactions that foster trust.
• Build relationships in the organization that foster collaboration, teamwork and achieving company objectives

Requirements:

• Experience with development and/or optimization of downstream purification technologies including chromatography, tangential flow filtration, and/or normal flow filtration. Experience working with AKTA systems preferred.
• BS degree in scientific field with a minimum of 10 years of experience or MS degree in scientific field with at minimum of 8 years of experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting. Cell and gene therapy experience preferred.
• PMP certification required.
• Proven track record of successful project management in drug development for preclinal and early phase programs.
• Prior experience managing cross-functional project teams with timeline management and budgetary responsibility
• Experience in developing and leading high-performance cross functional team (both internal and external) to achieve desired outcomes
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments
• Strong personal skills to influence without authority, motivate others, and management conflict
• Strong written and oral communication skills as well as demonstrated organization aptitude

Benefits:

• Highly competitive healthcare coverage (health, vision, and dental)
• Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
• Paid parental leave, family caregiver leaves, medical leave
• Competitive 401k
• Paid life insurance coverage
• Generous vacation and sick days
• On-site subsidized cafeteria
• Free monthly subway passes or a subsidized commuter rail pass
• Free MIT Athletic Membership
• Free Bluebikes Membership

Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunities for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities in accordance with applicable law.