Platform Execution Project Manager

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About Chemify

Chemify is creating a future where the access to important molecules, drugs and new materials currently unimaginable are instantly accessible, radically increasing the speed of innovation, quality of life, and reach of humanity. The company is building the infrastructure to digitize chemistry to design, make, and discover new molecules with the desired function and properties instantly and on-demand. Chemify has built a platform that combines purpose-built programming languages, robotics, AI, and the world's largest and continuously growing database of chemical programs to accelerate chemical discovery to new, transformative heights.

The Role

You will be joining our rapidly expanding team based in the new Advanced Research Centre on the University of Glasgow campus in the West End of Glasgow. The position provides the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team spanning engineering, robotics, chemical synthesis, drug discovery, and software development.

The Platform Execution Project Manager will play a critical role in facilitating the successful execution of business operations using our cutting-edge platforms. The role will pioneer the harmonization and bridge the gap between traditional chemistry techniques and Chemify's data-driven digital workflow. As a Platform Execution Project Manager, you will provide the organization with expert insights and know-how for chemical synthesis and reaction optimization to effectively enable the transfer of knowledge to the platforms. This role will be instrumental in enhancing our existing team's capabilities. You will receive training in our modern software and robotics systems, actively contributing to the development of a highly efficient, automated chemical manufacturing laboratory.

You will be responsible for the management, planning, and execution of projects within the operations and platform remit. You will be required to effectively communicate directly with all teams, specifically; Business Development, R&D Chemists, Production Chemists, and Cheminformaticians. You will report to the Manager, Operations - Platform Management, providing progress and updates to projects, ensuring documentation is up to date, and providing a clear overview of the project at all times.

As a Platform Execution Project Manager, you will have the autonomy to lead, shoulder significant responsibilities, and make strategic decisions that steer the direction of our scientific projects and overall efforts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Chemical Expertise: Leverage your knowledge of chemistry to provide insights and guidance in the synthesis and optimization of chemical reactions, with a focus on safe and efficient transfer of techniques to our automated platforms.
2. Project Management: Plan, execute, facilitate, and monitor projects related to the transition of tried and tested chemistry to the digital platforms.
3. Facilitating Transition: Act as a bridge between traditional chemistry techniques and the adoption of digital systems and automated platforms. Ensure a seamless transition, harmonizing expertise, and ensuring the successful execution of business operations.
4. Operations Integration: Collaborate closely with the Operations team to streamline the movement of projects from team to team, ensuring a smooth transition and successful ongoing operations.
5. Data Analysis: Assist in analyzing data to inform decision-making, identify opportunities for process and platform improvement, and assess the viability of execution. Use data to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Hands-On Approach: Actively participate in the development and operation of platforms, contributing to the continuous improvement of goals of our business.
7. Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of quality in project execution and chemical synthesis, ensuring precision and accuracy.
8. Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with business development, commercial, management, partners, and customers to understand real-world challenges and create value through the Chemify platform.
9. Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with the engineering team to provide feedback, troubleshoot issues, and suggest new features to enhance the technology platform continually.
10. Change Management: Facilitate the transition to digital platforms, ensuring a smooth shift in processes and practices, and supporting team members in adapting to the changes.
11. Leadership and Decision-Making: Participate in strategic decision-making and lead key initiatives related to scientific projects and the overall direction of the organization.

Requirements

• 2 years of practical experience as a synthetic chemist, ideally holding a PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry.
• Deep expertise in specific areas of synthetic chemistry.
• Theoretical and practical synthesis knowledge and skills.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to abstract and formalize problems.
• Enthusiasm to learn new approaches and concepts and to work with an experimental automation platform.
• Proven track history of Project Management experience including planning and execution of complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Oral and written communication & presentation skills (English fluency).

Desired skills & attributes

• Experience with medium to high-throughput parallel synthesis.
• Experience in project planning, management, resourcing, and escalation (customer facing experience is a bonus).
• Experience leading a small team of chemists or leading/managing synthesis projects.
• Experience with robotic systems for synthetic chemistry.
• Experience in industry / CRO environments.
• Experience with electronic tools such as Electronic Laboratory Notebooks.