Research Project Manager

Who We Are:

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single-agent and combination dosing.

The Role:  The Research Project Manager drives planning, execution, and communication within and across discovery research programs. This role partners closely with cross‑functional scientific stakeholders to ensure clear priorities, integrated plans, and on‑time delivery of key program milestones. Works independently, can manage interactions with and between internal teams and external partners, and brings strong program operations capability in a fast‑paced biotech environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support integrated research program plans by building and maintaining timelines, dependencies, and critical paths across discovery and preclinical activities; proactively communicate progress, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.

• Organize focused sub-project and ad hoc meetings, agendas, decision logs, action items, and follow‑ups; ensure clarity on deliverables and accountability across functions.

• Coordinate study execution and logistics to support program needs, including scheduling work, coordinating shipments, tracking key documents, and ensuring timely handoffs between internal teams and external partners.

• Support outsourcing and external partner oversight (e.g., CRO/ vendor coordination) by tracking deliverables, timelines, and data outputs; facilitate alignment across internal teams and external providers. Ensures appropriate agreements are in place for interactions with external partners or scientific collaborators.

• Enable inspection‑ready documentation habits by supporting document organization, version control, and readiness for internal reviews; assist cross‑functional teams with contributions to program documentation as needed.

• Coordinate internal documentation/report writing and preparation of regulatory filings for nonclinical team, including establishment of appropriate works flows, process controls, timelines and communication.

• Continuously improves project management tools and processes, including creating fit‑for‑purpose trackers and dashboards that keep stakeholders informed with minimal friction.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in science related discipline with 5+ years of related experience.

• Demonstrated experience in research project/program management within pharma/biotech settings, including work supporting drug discovery / life sciences programs.

• Experience partnering with teams working in oncology / clinical development environments and coordinating with external providers (e.g., nonclinical CROs).

• Strong ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent priorities, and bring structure to ambiguous, fast‑moving scientific environments.

• Solid grammar, spelling, and math skills required to appropriately assist with report generation.

• Proven strength in stakeholder communication—able to express oneself clearly and concisely and align diverse teams around timelines, decisions, and next steps.

• Basic to advanced understanding of contracts needed to support discovery functions.

• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills (meetings, action tracking, documentation discipline).

• Comfort building and maintaining practical tools for project execution (plans, trackers, cost/budget rollups, decision logs).

• Onsite position in Boulder, CO

Salary Range:

$95,000 - 110,000 USD

Target Bonus: 15%

Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.