Drug Discovery - Project Manager

About Topia Life Sciences ltd
Topia Life Sciences ltd, headquartered in London UK, is an innovation-driven TechBio company established in 2021. We specialise in accelerating Drug Discovery through advanced AI technologies, scientific expertise and strategic collaborations. At the heart of our operations is SMAG (Smart Molecule Generation), a proprietary AI platform that integrates data analytics, molecular simulation and AI-driven modelling to streamline drug design, repurposing, toxicity prediction and optimisation of therapeutic candidates.
With a growing pipeline of small molecule programs and services, our mission is to transform Healthcare by reducing Discovery timelines and improving therapeutic solutions to patients. We foster a collaborative culture and actively pursue strategic alliances to amplify our global impact in Biotech and Pharma.
About the role
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager - Drug Discovery, to Support Topia’s Executive & Leadership teams. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing projects from early-stage Drug Discovery to Preclinical, ideally with exposure to early Clinical stage programs.
This role is critical in delivering Topia’s pipeline of internal and partnered projects while having an impact on expanding Topia Operations and Infrastructure. This is a pivotal role for an experienced Operational manager, with a pragmatic approach to Drug Discovery leveraging scientific insights and interest in Tech at the interface of AI/ML Technologies, Synthetic Chemistry, Pharmacology and Program Operations.
This Ahmedabad-based position reports directly to Topia Executive.
Key Responsibilities
You will collaboratively manage the execution of our small molecule programs (NCEs and repurposing), ensuring that operational objectives are met according to agreed timelines/budget & resource allocation with program leads.
With expertise in Drug Discovery, you will be deeply embedded in Topia’s drug pipeline from Program Initiation to IND. Working alongside scientists & local Leadership, you will play a critical role in driving project success, fostering alignment across all Scientific disciplines and Topia Executives.
If you are a skilled Project Manager with industry experience and a passion for drug Discovery Operations in a Tech-driven organisation, this role offers the opportunity for impact and growth.
More specifically you will,
Serve as the primary point of contact to internal stakeholders Ahmedabad-based Leadership, UK-based Scientific Leadership & Executives as well as CROs ensuring clear communication, alignment on objectives and seamless program execution
Manage multiple Drug Discovery & Repurposing Programs simultaneously from target selection to Program delivery/partnering
Translate internal goals into actionable project plans, timelines and deliverables
Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
Collaborate across functional, scientific (Tech & Engineering, SMAG, Synthesis, Compound Profiling) & operational (Finance, Procurement, Logistics) teams to support data-driven delivery of high-quality scientific solutions to complex technical problems
Ensure scientific rigor, data quality and strategic alignment with corporate objectives & prioritised initiatives
Monitor Productivity KPIs for program execution and provide support to remove operational bottlenecks
Coordinate, with Senior Managers & Procurement, internal resources and spending across multiple departments to ensure timely project execution
Monitor project progress, budgets and scope, liaise with Executives to adjust plans, as required
Facilitate internal meetings, track milestones and ensure accountability
Support capacity planning and resource allocation in collaboration with Senior Managers
Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiency within drug Program workflow and Tech project workflow
Act as one of Topia Scientific Excellence’s ambassadors internally, promoting our culture of inclusion.
Qualifications & Skills
Demonstrated experience in early small molecule Discovery (Hit Identification through Lead Optimisation and Candidate Profiling)
MSc or higher Education degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology or related life science field preferred
10 year + experience in Drug Discovery in CRO, Biotech, TechBio and Pharma industry
Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional scientific projects
Experience in managing senior stakeholders strongly preferred
Strong understanding of Drug Discovery workflows and decision-making process, previous experience to TechBio ways of working is a plus
Excellent project management skills (planning, risk management, prioritisation)
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities
Driven by challenges to manage multiple projects in a dynamic deadline-driven environment
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Familiarity with project management tools and scientific data systems
What we offer
Competitive salary, including healthcare/dental benefits, performance-based bonuses and equity options
Flexible working hours
Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking AI innovations in Healthcare and strategic influence over the expansion of an AI-native TechBio organisation spearheading Precision Design of new drugs
Collaborative culture with access to a global network of experts
Professional development and involvement in high impact projects.

Work arrangement
No