Manager, Development Sciences Operations

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.
This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing. 

Position Overview:

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking a dynamic, flexible, and motivated Manager, Development Sciences Operations to help advance multiple programs from development candidate nomination through IND and beyond. Reporting within Development Sciences, this role owns the operational execution of the department’s outsourced nonclinical program — coordinating GLP and non-GLP toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies at contract research organizations (CROs) — and serves as a central steward of the Development Sciences department budget, including forecasting, purchase-order generation, and invoice/billing oversight in partnership with Finance. This role will also provide operational outsourcing and contracting support across Research. 
The successful candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and brings a collaborative, can-do approach. This is a full-time, onsite position based in La Jolla, CA. 

Responsibilities: 

•    Coordinate GLP and non-GLP toxicology and PK studies at CROs across start-up, execution, and close-out — including protocol finalization, sample and test-article logistics, data delivery, timelines, milestones, and action items 
•    Serve as the operational point of contact and sponsor representative for outsourced studies; perform on-site and remote CRO monitoring  
•    Track study timelines and budgets against program milestones; proactively identify operational risks and drive resolution 
•    Partner closely with study scientific leads to ensure timely execution and delivery of results that inform program development 
•    Support study data and report management, quality review, and nonclinical documentation, including regulatory submissions as needed 
•    Responsible for CRO qualification, contracting, and vendor-performance oversight in partnership with Legal, QA and Procurement 
•    Facilitate communication across CROs and internal functions — including toxicology, DMPK, bioanalytical, chemistry/CMC, regulatory, finance, legal, and project management 
•    Serve as a central steward of the Development Sciences department budget — leading tracking, forecasting, and variance monitoring in partnership with Finance, and overseeing purchase-order generation, invoicing, billing, and accruals 

Education and Experience Requirements: 

•    BS or MS in Biological Sciences, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. 
•    8+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO industry, including demonstrated ownership of outsourced nonclinical study operations and departmental budget management. 
•    Hands-on experience with GLP/non-GLP toxicology study coordination, monitoring, and execution. 
•    Working knowledge of ICH guidelines, GLP standards, OECD requirements, and the nonclinical drug development process. 
•    Demonstrated CRO/vendor management, timeline and budget management, and contracting experience. 
•   Financial operation fluency: budget tracking and forecasting, purchase-order and invoice systems, and accruals. 
•    Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a matrix environment and build relationships with key stakeholders. 
•    Proven ability to multi-task, work independently, and stay self-motivated. 
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Smartsheet, and Adobe Acrobat. 
•    Experience with project-management tools, databases, or electronic document management systems is preferred. 

What We Provide: 

•    The base salary range for this role is $142,000-$158,000. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
•    Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which include stock options & RSUs, as well as a 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks.
•    A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.