Project/Alliance Manager

At X-Chem, it is our mission to leverage the world’s leading drug discovery platform to help create molecules that will improve human health.  At X-Chem, we do more than screen compounds. We help you make confident decisions that move science forward. Our integrated platform combines DNA-encoded libraries, medicinal chemistry, advanced modeling and proprietary AI into a powerful and precise discovery engine. Everything is connected through Chemomics, our approach to unlocking value from every data point. Whether you’re exploring a new target or refining a lead, we help you discover high-quality molecules with greater speed, insight and control.

The Opportunity: X-Chem is seeking a highly organized and motivated Project/Alliance Manager to support the successful execution and day-to-day coordination of projects with a diverse range of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, and non-profit partners. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of science and business, helping to ensure project commitments are met and communication flows effectively across internal and external stakeholders. As part of the Partnership Success team, this role will also have opportunities to contribute to the support of X-Chem’s larger strategic partnerships and gain exposure to a broad range of client collaborations.

This position will be located at X-Chem’s offices in Montreal, QC Canada or in Waltham, MA, United States and will be reporting to Director, Partnership Success, based in Waltham.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day coordination of assigned projects and alliances, building strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders while supporting alignment with contractual obligations and shared goals.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and governance activities to support successful and timely project execution.
• Facilitate effective communication and alignment across internal functions, including scientific, legal, and finance teams, and external partners.
• Coordinate alliance activities and meetings, ensuring discussions are productive, key decisions and action items are documented, and follow-up activities are tracked through completion.
• Prepare and maintain materials for internal and external meetings, including agendas, presentations, meeting minutes, action items, and decision logs.
• Identify potential project risks, challenges, or areas of misalignment and escalate issues proactively and appropriately.
• Assist with the onboarding of new partners and the establishment of appropriate project governance structures and ways of working.
• Support strategic collaborations spanning early drug discovery through medicinal chemistry, lead generation, and candidate generation, including project coordination, administrative activities, and database maintenance.
• Maintain accurate and organized alliance and project documentation, including contracts, amendments, meeting records, and other key project materials.
• Assist with the administration and maintenance of project management functionality within X-Chem’s ERP and related systems.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Partnership Success processes, tools, documentation, and project management practices.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, project management, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related scientific environment, with knowledge of scientific and strategic operations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and commitment to meeting deadlines and project deliverables.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Familiarity with contract terms or alliance governance structures (e.g., JSCs, joint teams) is preferred.

The company cooperates with its customers, partners and colleagues outside Quebec for the research and development of medical products based on the identification and optimization of small molecules enabling the development of specific drugs. Interaction with colleagues and partners outside Quebec, notably in Budapest and Waltham, is constant. Consequently, knowledge of English is required for this unique and specialized position.  Knowledge of French is required for positions permanently located in Quebec, so that the incumbent can communicate as needed with colleagues, customers and partners in Quebec. French-language training will be offered to any incumbent of a permanent position in Quebec who does not have a good knowledge of French. 

Why join X-Chem? 

Our scientists innovate beyond reported chemistry while focusing on delivery. We all share a passion for staying at the forefront of computational, cheminformatics, medicinal and synthetic chemistry. To drive innovation, we acknowledge the importance of intelligent risk-taking, open-mindedness and initiative. We encourage creativity in an informal environment and recognize everyone’s contribution as part of a team to work together toward a common vision.

What are the benefits joining us?

We are focused on the development and career progression of our people to reach their full potential through workshops, training courses and mentor guidance. X-Chem offers competitive compensation (salary and performance incentive) and interesting benefits package. Benefits we offer include: Medical, Dental, STD/LTD and Life Insurance, Retirement Plan with employer match; paid vacations based on local policy; casual dress, vision care including prescription safety glasses, training sessions and workshops, social hours and team-building company events.

EEO Statement

X-Chem is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.