ExploR&D Pharma Project Manager (EPPM)
Eli Lilly and Company
August 17, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Job Summary
The ExploR&D Pharma Project Manager (EPPM) is the key operational resource for external collaboration projects from molecule discovery through clinical proof-of-concept, coordinating cross-functional timelines, risk/decision tracking, and accurate portfolio/program data to deliver results on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage collaborations: maintain program tracking (timelines, security access controls, internal/external communications, meeting minutes, risk grids, decision logs); lead internal project team meetings; manage project timelines and budgets; lead complex projects.
- Serve as alliance management point of contact with external partners, ensuring contractual obligations are met and resolving issues with Catalyze360 leadership/legal as needed.
- Communicate key decisions/results and provide program updates (timeline, budget, relationship health).
- Enable external R&D solutions: identify solutions for partner pain points; support deal team processes (capabilities, scope, workplan, resource estimates, capacity); identify partner/customer requirements and build solutions.
- Partner with Lilly-BioTDR on discovery-stage collaborations; support ERD-APAC portfolio strategy, timelines, and resourcing with ExploR&D-China.
- People leadership/partnership: build a performance culture; develop relationships with internal partners and external collaborators; represent Lilly’s overall and external R&D strategies.
Minimum Requirements
- MS/MA/PhD/PharmD in a biology or health-related field.
- 5+ years pharmaceutical industry experience with significant drug discovery and R&D experience.
- Authorized to work in the United States full-time; Lilly does not sponsor visas.
Preferred/Additional Skills
- Experience with PM tools/Lilly-IT and LRL operational models (eNotebooks, lab/data management).
- Expertise in drug discovery and early development; credibility across functions.
- Project/operations management; business development/external innovation with partners.
- Strong EQ, problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills; communication/interpersonal skills; ability to navigate conflict; knowledge of VC/biotech landscape; APAC/China collaboration experience is a plus.
Additional Information
- Up to 10% travel (domestic and international).
The ExploR&D Pharma Project Manager (EPPM) is the key operational resource for external collaboration projects from molecule discovery through clinical proof-of-concept, coordinating cross-functional timelines, risk/decision tracking, and accurate portfolio/program data to deliver results on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage collaborations: maintain program tracking (timelines, security access controls, internal/external communications, meeting minutes, risk grids, decision logs); lead internal project team meetings; manage project timelines and budgets; lead complex projects.
- Serve as alliance management point of contact with external partners, ensuring contractual obligations are met and resolving issues with Catalyze360 leadership/legal as needed.
- Communicate key decisions/results and provide program updates (timeline, budget, relationship health).
- Enable external R&D solutions: identify solutions for partner pain points; support deal team processes (capabilities, scope, workplan, resource estimates, capacity); identify partner/customer requirements and build solutions.
- Partner with Lilly-BioTDR on discovery-stage collaborations; support ERD-APAC portfolio strategy, timelines, and resourcing with ExploR&D-China.
- People leadership/partnership: build a performance culture; develop relationships with internal partners and external collaborators; represent Lilly’s overall and external R&D strategies.
Minimum Requirements
- MS/MA/PhD/PharmD in a biology or health-related field.
- 5+ years pharmaceutical industry experience with significant drug discovery and R&D experience.
- Authorized to work in the United States full-time; Lilly does not sponsor visas.
Preferred/Additional Skills
- Experience with PM tools/Lilly-IT and LRL operational models (eNotebooks, lab/data management).
- Expertise in drug discovery and early development; credibility across functions.
- Project/operations management; business development/external innovation with partners.
- Strong EQ, problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills; communication/interpersonal skills; ability to navigate conflict; knowledge of VC/biotech landscape; APAC/China collaboration experience is a plus.
Additional Information
- Up to 10% travel (domestic and international).