US_Operations Management Specialist - Contract

Title: Compound Manager
Location: Cambridge Office, MA (2-3 days onsite)
12 Months

Medicinal Chemistry and Discovery Research Operations
The Compound Manager is responsible for the registration, receipt, storage, distribution, inventory control, and quality oversight of chemical compounds supporting discovery research. This role serves as the primary custodian of medicinal chemistry compounds, safeguarding sample integrity, traceability, availability, and accurate documentation. The position partners closely with Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, DMPK, Analytical Sciences, Informatics, and external contract research organizations (CROs) to enable timely project execution and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Compound Registration and Data Management
• Register newly synthesized and externally sourced compounds in the electronic compound database in accordance with established registration and nomenclature standards.
• Maintain complete and accurate compound metadata, including chemical structure, molecular weight, purity, salt form, inventory location, and sample history.
• Conduct routine audits and reconcile physical inventory with electronic records; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
Inventory, Distribution, and Logistics
• Maintain an accurate compound inventory and ensure research materials are available to project teams when needed.
• Coordinate domestic and international compound shipments and transfers to internal and external collaborators in accordance with applicable regulations and company policies.
Quality and Operational Excellence
• Create, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials for compound management workflows.
• Investigate deviations involving inventory, labeling, shipping, or database records and drive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Lead continuous-improvement initiatives that strengthen efficiency, scalability, turnaround time, data integrity, and user experience.
CRO and Vendor Management
• Serve as the operational point of contact for CROs and vendors supporting compound synthesis, purification, analytical testing, storage, and logistics.
• Partner with project teams, procurement, and quality functions to address common collaboration challenges, including inconsistent metadata, variable packaging formats, shipment delays, customs constraints, unclear ownership, and communication across time zones.
• Contribute operational input to vendor onboarding, performance discussions, process changes, and business-continuity planning.
Cross-Functional Partnership and Training
• Partner with medicinal chemists to ensure timely registration and processing of newly synthesized compounds.
• Collaborate with Biology, DMPK, Informatics, Analytical Chemistry, and project teams to support study execution and compound logistics.
• Train laboratory personnel and external partners on compound submission requirements, systems, and best practices.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for compound management systems, processes, and data standards.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry a related scientific discipline; an M.S. or equivalent experience is preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in compound management, medicinal chemistry support, pharmaceutical research operations, or a related scientific environment.
• Hands-on experience with compound registration platforms, electronic laboratory systems, and inventory management databases.
• Experience working with external CROs, vendors, or compound logistics networks.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Working knowledge of chemical structures, nomenclature, compound handling, storage, and laboratory safety practices.
• Experience with compound registration software such as BIOVIA, Dotmatics, CDD Vault, ChemAxon, or an equivalent platform.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and database or inventory-tracking applications. Some experience in python scripting is preferred.
• Familiarity with automated compound storage and retrieval systems and high-throughput screening support is preferred.
Core Competencies
• Exceptional organization, prioritization, and record-keeping skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to data quality and sample integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced research environment.
• Clear, professional communication and effective collaboration across internal and external teams.
• Practical problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mindset.
Key Measures of Success
• Accurate, complete, and traceable compound records and inventory.
• Reliable CRO and vendor workflows with prompt resolution of operational issues.
• Consistent adherence to SOPs, safety requirements, data standards, and applicable policies.
• Measurable improvements in workflow efficiency, scalability, and service to discovery teams.