Research Operations and Nonclinical Development Manager

Research Operations and Nonclinical Development Manager About Cartesian Therapeutics: Cartesian Therapeutics is a late clinical-stage company pioneering cell therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The Company's lead asset, Descartes-08, is a CAR-T in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, Phase 2 clinical development in myositis, specifically dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome, and in Phase 1/2 clinical development for pediatric autoimmune diseases, including juvenile dermatomyositis. Position Summary: The Research Operations and Nonclinical Development Manager provides operational, laboratory, and project management support to the Discovery Research and Nonclinical Development functions. This role ensures scientists have the materials, infrastructure, external partnerships, and project oversight required to advance cell and gene therapy programs efficiently from discovery through IND-enabling nonclinical development. Reporting to the VP, Head of Discovery Research, the individual will initially spend significant time supporting laboratory operations and research activities to build a strong understanding of Cartesian's platforms, workflows, and development programs. As the organization grows, the role is expected to assume increasing responsibility for nonclinical project management, including coordination of CROs, vendors, study timelines, budgets, and regulatory-supporting activities. The ideal candidate combines scientific training with strong organizational and project management skills, enjoys working in a dynamic biotechnology environment, and is comfortable collaborating with scientists, technical development teams, and external partners. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory management, consumable ordering, sample logistics, equipment maintenance, and laboratory organization. Provide hands-on laboratory support as needed, including reagent management, sample organization, preparation of study materials, and support of research workflows. Maintain laboratory records, SOPs, equipment inventories, operational documentation, and a safe, efficient research environment. Support onboarding of new employees and partner with Facilities, EH&S, IT, Quality, and other functions to address laboratory operational needs. Plan, coordinate, and track nonclinical studies supporting cell and gene therapy programs, including pharmacology, biodistribution, toxicology, immunogenicity, and other IND-enabling activities. Maintain integrated project plans, timelines, milestone trackers, risk registers, budgets, and action-item logs across discovery and nonclinical programs. Serve as the primary operational liaison with CROs, testing laboratories, consultants, and external vendors to ensure timely execution of study objectives and deliverables. Coordinate study start-up and execution activities, including quotations, contracts, statements of work, budgets, schedules, material transfers, sample shipments, and study logistics. Monitor study progress, vendor performance, timelines, deliverables, risks, deviations, and external spending, proactively identifying and resolving operational challenges. Organize project team meetings, document decisions and action items, and facilitate communication among internal stakeholders and external partners. Support preparation, review, collection, and organization of study reports and supporting documentation for regulatory submissions and development decision-making. Implement and continuously improve laboratory operations and project management processes, tools, dashboards, and workflows to enhance organizational efficiency and support future portfolio growth. Qualifications: Required Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline. 5+ years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, contract research, or life science organiza…

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