Pencil Biosciences Limited
Technical Project Manager
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Project Manager – Gene Therapy
Part-time role: 22.5-30 hours per week over the course of 3-4 days
Pencil Biosciences is a seed stage biotech company developing the novel, non-CRISPR, gene editor, Break Free™ with the goal to cure debilitating, currently incurable diseases.
The proprietary gene editor has differentiated properties including a unique editing range and an unparalleled safety profile, with applications in therapeutics and cell engineering. The editor has been designed from scratch with in vivo editing as the principal application.
Pencil has recently been awarded an Innovate UK grant and is closing a fundraise providing a 2-year runway prior to Series A.
We have identified our lead disease indication (liver metabolic disease) and will be working to generate in vivo proof of concept data prior to the Series A raise in 2028.
We are seeking a highly collaborative Project Manager to play a pivotal role in driving our technology from R&D proof-of-concept into clinical translation.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Research Directors, you will be a central figure across the organization. This position offers exposure to all areas of the business while maintaining a core focus on supporting our R&D teams. It is an opportunity to help shape the development of a differentiated gene editor at a formative stage, working directly with scientific and company leadership and making real impact.
This high-impact, hands-on role requires technical fluency and a dynamic approach. You will balance multiple functional areas, including internal R&D alignment, resource planning, third party technology & service evaluations, and vendor management. You will lead key outsourced workstreams with CROs and CDMOs—encompassing preclinical studies, reagent sourcing (LNPs, mRNA, ssDNA), and CMC workflows.
Sitting alongside an experienced team of gene editors, molecular biologists, and protein engineers, you will help onboard new processes, optimize workflows, and facilitate cross-functional knowledge transfer. Excellent scientific judgement is essential, while extensive wet-lab background is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked effectively in small, entrepreneurial teams, are comfortable operating with incomplete information, and can create enough structure to enable delivery without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
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You will drive forward such activities as:
- Project Governance: Maintain operational oversight across all internal projects, tracking progress, milestones, and deliverables alongside research teams.
- Vendor & Partner Management: Lead engagements with CROs, CDMOs, and CMC partners, overseeing preclinical animal studies and ensuring external projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Strategic Operations: Coordinate key company outputs, including IP filing pipelines and internal/external technology evaluations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with wet-lab scientists and computational biologists to maintain clear communication and drive multi-faceted project tracks.
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- A higher/advanced degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) in Life Sciences with 5–10+ years of project management experience in biotech or pharma
- 5+ years in a dedicated PM role managing complex, interwoven internal and external project tracks
- 3+ years of hands-on expertise using professional project management tools
- A strong technical background in therapeutic development with the ability to understand experimental rationale and data outputs, and ability to interrogate scientific and vendor plans, identifying technical dependencies and risks.
- The ability to communicate credibly with scientists, CMC specialists, and scientific advisors and be able to translate scientific objectives into executable development plans.
- A proven track record managing CROs/CDMOs and holding external partners accountable to timelines and deliverables
- Experience supporting in vivo mouse model work for drug discovery and development
- Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with an ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with vendor vetting, contract negotiation, and implementing service agreements
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Nice to Have:
- Direct laboratory or operational experience building preclinical data packages for CTA/IND filings
- Familiarity with regulatory documentation processes (CTA/IND filings)
- Background in Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) products and platforms
- Foundational understanding of gene-editing technologies (including therapeutic and bioproduction applications)
- Practical familiarity with intellectual property
Pencil Biosciences perks and benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Private Medical Insurance
- Intellectually stimulating working environment
- Excellent growth opportunities
- Company share options
The position will appeal to individuals looking for the challenge of translating a technology platform towards the clinic. We are a small team and we are looking for people to independently take charge of projects.
Location:
Pencil’s office and lab facilities are located at Alderley Park, south of Manchester in beautiful Cheshire on the doorstep of the Peak District. Alderley Park is one of the UK’s biggest life science and innovation campuses hosting more than 250 companies. In addition to the world-class laboratory and office facilities, it offers a multitude of recreational amenities including gym, trails, pub, restaurants, and cafes, etc. More information about this site can be found at www.alderleypark.co.uk.
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