Bicycle Therapeutics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a novel class of medicines, referred to as Bicycle® molecules, for diseases that are underserved by existing therapeutics. Bicycle molecules are fully synthetic short peptides constrained with small molecule scaffolds to form two loops that stabilize their structural geometry. This constraint facilitates target binding with high affinity and selectivity, making Bicycle molecules attractive candidates for drug development. The company is evaluating zelenectide pevedotin (formerly BT8009), a Bicycle® Toxin Conjugate (BTC®) targeting Nectin-4, a well-validated tumor antigen; BT5528, a BTC molecule targeting EphA2, a historically undruggable target; and BT7480, a Bicycle Tumor-Targeted Immune Cell Agonist® (Bicycle TICA®) targeting Nectin-4 and agonizing CD137, in company-sponsored clinical trials. Additionally, the company is developing Bicycle® Radio Conjugates (BRC™) for radiopharmaceutical use and, through various partnerships, is exploring the use of Bicycle® technology to develop therapies for diseases beyond oncology. Bicycle Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with many key functions and members of its leadership team located in Cambridge, Massachusetts US. Culture is key and all Bicycle employees actively embrace and role model our company values: We are Adventurous. We believe it's the way to deliver extraordinary results for our patients. We are Dedicated to our Mission. You can't change the world if you don't have determination We are One Team. We only succeed when we work together. Job Description We are seeking an experienced project leader to act as External Portfolio Lead within the Therapeutics Department, Research and Innovation (R&I) organisation. This is a key leadership role, with accountability for managing the external Research partnership portfolio. Through matrix management, you will lead and coordinate assigned project leaders to ensure key objectives and milestones are met associated with the partner programs. Collaboration and influence are critical to this position as you will be working with various stakeholders across the Research and Innovation (R&I) organisation to ensure strategic alignment on portfolio requirements such as resource. You will share your experience in drug discovery, and will be accountable for leading, mentoring and coaching cross-functional teams, driving for performance excellence. Key responsibilities Foster and scientifically manage strategic Research collaborations between Bicycle Tx and established external partners. Aligned with Alliance Management and closely working with the project leaders, execute effectively across the partner portfolio of programs. Responsible for identifying core risks to the delivery of the project milestones, putting into place plans to mitigate these risks. Accountable for the delivery of materials to support internal and external communications, including presentations for partnership portfolio review meetings and governance. Responsible for budget rigor and adherence for overall partnership portfolio Matrix Leadership - Build and nurture high performing project teams Lead and inspire, be curious and strategic, and clearly communicate to the team and senior leaders Drive urgency across your teams to deliver timely data-driven project recommendations Through a mentoring approach, support the development of others, and ensure performance standards are achieved Qualifications Educated in a scientific discipline of relevance to drug discovery Preference: Medicinal Chemist with Drug Discovery experience in the Oncology therapeutic area Extensive project leadership experience with delivering candidate molecules, preferably supporting oncology portfolios Experience of managing third parties and outsourcing A demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful outcomes through a diverse team A demonstrable ability to influence without authority in a highly matrixed environment Mentoring and developing of others within a matrix lead environment Strong problem-solving, and relationship-building skills, as well as the ability to adapt to changing situations and expectations Strong leadership, responsible delegation, and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to inspire and empower teams through a matrix drive environment Strong communication skills Desirable: Experience of leading projects for high Potency molecules Additional Information State-of-the-art campus environment with on campus restaurant and Montessori nursery Flexible working environment Competitive reward including annual company bonus Employee recognition schemes 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays option to buy up to 5 additional days annually Employer contribution to pension (employee does not have to contribute) Life assurance cover 4x basic salary Private Medical Insurance, including optical and dental cover. Group income protection Employee assistance program Health Cash Plan Access to company subsidized gym membership. Eligibility for an option grant to subscribe to shares in Bicycle Therapeutics plc. Cycle to work scheme Bicycle Therapeutics is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, marital status, or veteran status.