Research Operations Manager

Join our team in a dynamic hybrid role, offering flexibility to work remotely and from our headquarters in Watertown, MA.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Disc Medicine is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for patients who suffer from serious hematologic diseases. We are building a portfolio of innovative, first-in-class therapeutic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Disc Medicine values collaboration, professional development, and scientific integrity and promotes an inclusive company culture that empowers and inspires.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Disc Medicine is seeking an experienced and highly organized Research Operations Manager to support and drive the execution of research projects in the life science industry. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in scientific project management, a deep understanding of research operations, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. This role requires effective coordination of outsourcing activities, budget and timeline oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, particularly within innovation research-focused teams. Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This person will report to VP, Head of Innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and manage day-to-day operations of preclinical research activities, ensuring efficient execution across internal teams and external collaborators.
• Oversee vendor and CRO relationships, including identification, onboarding, contracting, communication, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain project timelines and budgets, working closely with research leads to ensure alignment with program goals and milestones.
• Manage the logistics of sample and data transfers, including shipments to and from CROs, biobanks, and academic collaborators, ensuring regulatory and quality compliance.
• Support contract negotiations and work in collaboration with legal, finance, and procurement teams to ensure timely execution of MSAs, SOWs, and change orders.
• Assist in the interpretation and review of scientific data, ensuring accurate and timely entry of experimental results into shared databases and electronic lab notebooks.
• Implement and optimize systems and workflows for project tracking, resource planning, and knowledge management to streamline research execution.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication between research, innovation, finance, and regulatory teams to promote alignment and operational efficiency.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in research operations within the life sciences or biotechnology sector
• Proven ability to support multiple research projects, including budgeting, contracting, outsourcing, shipments and timeline tracking
• Strong skills in interpreting experimental data and overseeing accurate and timely data entry
• Demonstrated experience in supporting and streamlining the day-to-day functions of a preclinical research team
• Highly self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing shifting priorities and varying workloads
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and documentation skills
• Prior experience working with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) is advantageous
• Familiarity with project management software/tools is a plus

Disc Medicine is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing all qualified candidates and employees equal opportunities. We offer comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation packages. The Company headquarters are in Watertown, MA, and we provide a flexible work environment.

Disc Medicine actively recruits individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive for excellence. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for current and future opportunities.