Description
Senior Program Manager, VITAL
Start2 Group is looking for a proactive, driven Senior Program Manager to lead execution of a large life sciences non-dilutive funding and de-risking program. This role specifically targets applicants with a strong background in AI for drug discovery/development (PhD strongly preferred), and a passion for supporting early-stage biotech translation and entrepreneurship, combined with an interest and experience managing innovation support programs. The Senior Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the program, working closely with internal teams, a large external partner, and development-stage biotechs led by entrepreneurs or academic founders.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (office-based; potentially open to other locations)
Job Function: Full-time
Start: Immediately
Compensation: $140,000
Key Responsibilities
Program Support & Execution:
Lead the planning, execution, and overall management of the non-dilutive and de-risking funding program, serving as the main point of contact to coordinate all program activities,
Attend development meetings to help ensure biotech/therapeutic projects remain on track,
Grow and manage a global mentor pool of biotech experts,
Lead global sourcing efforts to publicize the program and attract and source high-quality applicants,
Drive teaming and collaboration efforts to connect innovators, startups, and service providers.
Mentorship & Advisory Support:
Oversee the applicant sourcing and evaluation process – finding and scoping, assessing, selecting, and recommending applicants for funding awards,
Provide direct mentorship to participating project teams/startups and guide them toward development milestone achievement and program success,
Connect project teams/startups with mentors, advisors, and service providers with relevant development expertise.
Community Engagement & Relationship Management:
Represent Start2 Group within the global biotech and early-stage startup ecosystem, cultivating relationships with startups, innovators, academics, investors, mentors, corporate partners, and other accelerators,
Attend and participate in conferences, networking events, and roundtables to strengthen ties between international researchers, startups, and the Boston-area ecosystem.
Program Monitoring & Reporting:
Lead program reporting and communications with the client and key stakeholders, ensuring timely, accurate updates on performance metrics and progress,
Collaborate with the Chief Business Officer (CBO) and internal teams to ensure program success, and continuously improve program offerings.
What You’ll Bring to the Role
Relevant Educational and Experiential Background:
PhD in biology, chemistry, toxicology, immunology, or related,
Direct experience with AI for drug discovery/development.
Startup Program Management:
Demonstrated experience designing, leading, or supporting programs that help biotechs and early-stage therapeutic startups de-risk platforms and assets,
Strong ability to review early-stage biotech projects, conduct due diligence, and assess the potential of startups and academic projects.
Stakeholder Management & Networking:
Ability to create visibility and excitement around programs, including experience organizing startup-related events and building one-on-one relationships in biotech,
Experience building ecosystems across startups, academia, national labs, investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
Operational & Financial Skills:
Organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously,
Strong resource management capabilities, including program budgets and operational workflows.
The Ideal Candidate
PhD (strongly preferred) in biology, chemistry, or related discipline,
5+ years of experience in drug development, with a strong focus on intersection of AI and drug discovery/development,
Solid understanding of and experience in early-stage, preclinical development, and background in working with or leading entrepreneurial projects/startups preferred,
Entrepreneurial experience or experience with translation strongly preferred,
Passion for working with startups and helping de-risk assets and platforms,
A natural connector and ecosystem builder who thrives on engaging founders, investors, and industry experts in biotech/therapeutics,
Experience managing large clients, customers, or stakeholders,
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed,
Professional working proficiency in English.
What We Offer
An exciting international work environment with many opportunities to learn and grow,
An open-minded and motivated team that excels at completing tasks together, relying on excellent performance, teamwork, and humor,
Opportunity to work independently with plenty of creative freedom, openness, and space for new ideas, impulses, and methods,
A small team where everyone has the opportunity to lead projects and a voice to bring new ideas to the table,
A role that creates real impact within the global startup and innovation community,
Competitive benefits, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and 401k options.
How to Apply
Please submit your application via email to Lauren Desrosiers at the address below by July 31, 2026. Along with your resume, please include a one-page cover letter that tells us about yourself, explains why you want to work at Start2 Group, and highlights why you are a good fit for this position.
Contact
Lauren Desrosiers
HR Manager, Start2 Group, Inc.
As part of the application process, candidates will be required to complete a Predictive Index behavioral assessment to assess cultural fit and personality traits. This assessment takes approximately 6 minutes to complete and will help us understand how well your skills and personality align with the requirements of the role and our company culture. The link to the assessment is provided below: https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/94JJ/SeniorProgramManagerVITALAIandMucInn_Jun2026_155221
About Start2 Group
Start2 Group finds, funds and accelerates biotech, medtech, and deep tech academic projects and startups enabling them to de-risk, translate and commercialize more successfully. For the past 14 years, Start2 programs have provided early-stage projects and ventures with non-dilutive funding and highly individualized mentoring from subject matter experts to de-risk development, strengthen commercialization and regulatory plans, and improve fundability. Start2 has 100+ employees in 19 offices spanning the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Start2 Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Requirements
The Ideal Candidate
- PhD (strongly preferred) in biology, chemistry, or related discipline,
- 5+ years of experience in drug development, with a strong focus on intersection of AI and drug discovery/development,
- Solid understanding of and experience in early-stage, preclinical development, and background in working with or leading entrepreneurial projects/startups preferred,
- Entrepreneurial experience or experience with translation strongly preferred,
- Passion for working with startups and helping de-risk assets and platforms,
- A natural connector and ecosystem builder who thrives on engaging founders, investors, and industry experts in biotech/therapeutics,
- Experience managing large clients, customers, or stakeholders,
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed,
- Professional working proficiency in English.
