Pipeline Leader

RNAissance Ag LLC is seeking to hire a Pipeline Lead. The Pipeline Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and management of the Pipeline Team, ensuring consistent progress is made to advance and deliver pipeline projects from research stage through pre-commercial. The RNAissance Ag Pipeline includes both internal and collaborative projects with the primary goal of optimizing early-stage asset value by leveraging our product development and pre-commercial strengths.

The Pipeline Lead will work closely with the RNAi Discovery Lead, Manufacturing Lead, Program Management Office, and be a part of the RNAissance Ag Leadership Team. As a start-up company entering growth phase, this role will work closely with leadership to establish new and improve existing processes to drive RNAi BioSolutions product development opportunities. This role requires strong project management skills, understanding of laboratory operations processes, as well as experience managing a team. The Pipeline Lead must also be able to maintain and improve laboratory systems, align operational support with project teams, and comply with all regulatory and safety requirements. Additionally, this person must be able to develop and implement new laboratory processes and technologies to increase efficiency and improve results.

Responsibilities:

scientific, strategic, and operational input for defining and driving pipeline projects. Work closely with RNAi Discovery Lead for scientific and technical direction with respect to all RNAi projects.

agile operation plan for steering pipeline projects, including setting targets; defining budgets/needed support; and representing pipeline activities in reviews (weekly scrum, monthly and quarterly business reviews).

day to day leadership for pipeline operations including management of staff and external pipeline projects with third-party collaborators.

Ensuring that Pipeline personnel are trained in proper laboratory techniques and procedures relevant to their roles.

Managing the laboratory operations budget, including forecasting, tracking of expenditures, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.

Enable pipeline advancement and prioritization decisions by capturing data and developing visualization tools thereof.

Increase alignment and effectiveness of Pipeline operations with Manufacturing team.

Drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency by working with Program Management staff for project management support as needed.

Identify pipeline needs and share with Technology Prospecting and University Relations personnel.

The following describes the key requirements and competencies needed to excel in this role:

Minimum of B.S. or equivalent and a proven track record of laboratory operations/leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Minimum of 5+ years of experience in research and development operations leadership role(s). Experience in agriculture crop protection research and development is a strong plus.

Project management: Ability to effectively manage multiple projects in collaboration program management office, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Must be able to balance the demands of research activities with other responsibilities, such as managing budgets, and overseeing personnel.

Strong leadership skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team of research technicians and scientists to create a positive work environment, driving results that deliver on company’s strategy and plan.

People management: Managing a team of scientists, including recruiting, training, and supervising staff. Acknowledge and reward the achievements of staff and help identify areas for improvement and provide feedback through regular performance evaluations.

Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Regularly communicating with laboratory technicians, scientists, and ensuring that they understand their roles and responsibilities.

Financial management: Knowledge and experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.

Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify and resolve complex problems associated with research and development.

Adaptive mindset: Ability to quickly adapt to changes and implement new procedures and systems as needed. Be flexible and responsive to the environment. Seek diversity of thought and steer pipeline team through constant change with a blend of vision, empathy, creativity, and resilience. Deliver solutions for a diversity of potential customers by leveraging the deep technical knowledge of the team.

Agile way of working: Comfortable making rapid decisions, often with limited information. Enhance speed, efficiency, ingenuity, and impact in the operating model. Form cross functional projects with specific missions and measure progress, adjusting as needed.

Time management: Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet the demands of the laboratory and the company.

Regulatory & safety compliance: Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, and ability to ensure that the laboratory is in compliance with these regulations.