Director of Portfolio Strategy - Varda Space Industries

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has an office in Washington, D.C.  Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.About This Role Our team is looking for highly motivated and creative candidates who will lead efforts in improving therapeutics with microgravity. This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, the role will shape Varda’s product culture and will play a significant role in establishing the low earth orbit economy.  ResponsibilitiesDevelops and implements portfolio management strategy for research and development pipeline while ensuring alignment of R&D portfolio management strategy to overall company business objectives, and cross-department alignment.Leading, training, mentoring, and developing portfolio managers and analysts, and accountable for setting and meeting R&D portfolio key performance indicators.Conducting competitive analysis to assess and benchmark internal R&D portfolio strategy and R&D productivity in context of industry peers, and broader pharma market.Reporting R&D portfolio performance to senior leadership, including comparison to Industry benchmarks for R&D efficiency (cost and productivity) and effectiveness (value generation).Establishing business processes to monitor, analyze, and report on market trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory developments.Working with business development teams to identify partnership and licensing opportunities. Accountable for profitability and value generation for partnerships established.Collaborating with finance and operations to ensure that R&D resources are effectively allocated. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining budgets, headcount, and infrastructure roadmaps that are aligned with overall company business objectives.Drives strategic initiatives under direction of Chief Science Officer to drive adoption of best practices and knowledge sharing, while ensuring R&D efficiency and effectiveness or R&D portfolio evolves in response to business needsBasic QualificationsPh.D or advanced degree in life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering7+ years of work experience in the biopharma industry,Demonstrated ability to collaboratively drive alignment and partnerships among senior leadershipExcellent program management and organizational skillsStrong communication skills, including excellent written communication skillsPreferred Skills and ExperienceAt least 5 years of experience in portfolio strategy and management roles and track record of improving R&D portfolio KPIsStrong customer management and communication skills established through experience in service-oriented roles within the pharmaceutical industryExperience managing and leading cross-functional teams, and adept at establishing strong cross-department interpersonal relationshipsExperience in drug development, manufacturing, and formulationPay RangeSalary Range: $140,000.00 - $220,000.00/per yearThis role is on-sitein El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Learn more about the ITAR here.  BenefitsExciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your sideWorking in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activitiesEquity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)401(k) matching (interns excluded)Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)Health insurance, including Vision and DentalLunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance.  We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.E-Verify Notice                                                               Right To Work NoticeRead moreRead more