R&D Project Lead

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Santen is a specialized pharmaceutical company with a 130-year heritage focused exclusively on ophthalmology. With sales in over 60 countries, Santen’s 4,000 global employees work to deliver life-changing therapies that make hope a reality for people facing vision impairment and loss. Santen Inc., located in Emeryville, CA (North America HQ), contributes important research & development and commercialization efforts. This office is home to about half of our 300-total staff in North America, including our Toronto, Canada site and our recent acquisitions of Eyevance Pharmaceuticals (Fort Worth, TX) and InnFocus (Miami, FL). 

We are in search of top talent to help us meet our important goals and large growth plans.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Santen Product Development Division brings together portfolio delivery strategy and operations and aims to optimize product development by increasing predictability through science and evidence based study design. The division is focused on driving development of innovative therapies in line with Santen’s values and to meet the needs of patients across the globe.

As a Project Lead in Santen’s Project Management organization in the Product Development Division, you will be responsible for setting and driving the strategic direction across global development programs. You will collaborate and establish relationships with stakeholders across the development functions, consolidating inputs and insights into comprehensive development strategies. Project Leads will also work closely with colleagues across the Project Management team to maintain alignment of strategic and operational program objectives with the portfolio vision. You will be asked to stay current with industry trends and will have the opportunity to drive the identification and implementation of innovative development strategies for ophthalmology therapies. Project Leads will report directly to the Head of Project Management.

As a Project Lead, you will be a part of a global team that is committed to meeting Santen’s organizational objective of developing products that satisfy medical needs in ophthalmology, bringing hope to patients and their loved ones.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND KEY DELIVERABLES:

Define global development strategies for programs that align with organizational vision and objectives, in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders

Drive strategic delivery and identify risks to project and program quality and compliance

Share scientific and business expertise to enable informed decision making and portfolio prioritization

Clearly articulate development strategies to project and program teams and collaborate with Project Managers to ensure alignment of strategic and operational objectives

Identify and implement novel development strategies in line with industry best practices to position Santen as a leader in ophthalmology treatment development

Strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to global cultural nuances

Understand and integrate global perspectives and regional nuances into communications, development strategies and plans, and day-to-day ways of working

Establish relationships and create partnerships with stakeholders across the organization to meet common objectives

Apply critical thinking to solve complex problems and mitigate issues that may impact quality of product delivery

Easily navigate between corporate goals and project / program strategies and effectively manages competing priorities

QUALIFICATIONS:

MS (M.Sc.) is required

PhD degree in life sciences is preferred

MBA in scientific discipline is preferred

PMP certification is preferred

Minimum of 12 years’ experience in scientific development

Development experience in Ophthalmology is required (Front of the eye(Myopia, Ptosis, Dry eye, Allergy, etc.), Back of the eye (AMD, DME, Retinitis pigmentosa, Uveitis, etc.), Glaucoma, others)

Relevant experience in pharma / biotech or healthcare industry, PPM, and a thorough understanding of the drug development process

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Santen requires anyone working on-site or visiting company offices to confirm they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is timely requested and approved. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns about this policy and how it may apply to your candidacy for a role with Santen.

For more information about our company and the work experience, please visit www.santenusa.com and https://www.santenusa.com/career-culture.