Project Manager R&D (Small Molecule Discovery, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases)

About us

Ridgeline Discovery , a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.

Ridgeline is expanding its capabilities in Basel to support the creation of a new company focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. To this purpose, we are seeking a Project Manager with proven expertise in coordinating small molecule discovery activities ideally in the field of cardiovascular and metabolic preclinical research .

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Support scientific project team to deliver with speed and quality and keep a 360 degree of all activities and how these ultimately lead to the company’s objectives.
• Support governance, updates to senior leadership, and communication of strategic decisions.
• Detail project timelines, budgets, and Gantt charts for the company portfolio
• Steer resource planning/forecasting, gap analysis for internal research workforce (with C-suite input), and coordination across all functions for efficiency.
• Facilitate project strategy discussions and challenge/propose best approaches to scientific problems.
• Partner closely with CEO/COO on accountability tools, execution alignment, and stakeholder updates; liaise with finance and alliance managers as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS in cardiovascular and metabolism research, biology, biochemistry, or related field; 7+ years in biotech/pharma ideally in small molecule discovery with focus on project management.
• Proven expertise in cross-functional coordination, Gantt/timeline tools, budget oversight, and governance in small-team environments.
• Strong communicator for Board/scientific stakeholders; experience in resource forecasting, risk mitigation, and preclinical workflows (e.g., CRO/vendor management).
• PMP/LEAN certification a plus; hands-on scientific background essential for technical insight without deep lab work.

What we currently offer

• People : We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
• Creativity : We offer an innovative and creative environment.
• Development : We support the individual development of our employees.
• Fun : From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
• Offices : Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
• Commuter Benefits : We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
• Flexible Working : We support flexible working as appropriate.
• Christmas Closure : In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Birthday Retreat : On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
• Food : We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.

Please note that these benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion and do not constitute a contractual entitlement.