Program Director

Title : Program Director – Scientific Program Hub

Start2 Group is seeking a dynamic and organized Program Director to lead the execution of a large life sciences prize challenge program. This role is ideal for someone who combines program management expertise with a strong scientific understanding of drug discovery and early development, and a passion for entrepreneurship and biotech innovation. The ideal candidate is an outgoing relationship builder who excels at coordinating diverse stakeholders including startups, investors, scientists, and industry partners, while ensuring smooth, on-time, and on-budget program delivery. The Program Director will oversee all aspects of the program, working closely with internal teams, a large external partner, and development-stage biotechs led by entrepreneurs and / or academic founders.

Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts (office-based; open to other locations)

Job Function : Full-time

Start : Immediately

Compensation : $150,000

Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Execution :

• Lead the planning, execution, and overall management of the prize challenge program, serving as the main point of contact to coordinate all program activities.
• Attend development meetings to help ensure biotech / therapeutic projects remain on track.
• Grow and manage a global mentor pool of biotech experts, particularly in the antivirals space.
• Lead global sourcing efforts to publicize the program and attract high-quality applicants.
• Drive teaming efforts to connect innovators and startups, fostering collaborations to de-risk antiviral (or related) development.

Mentorship & Advisory Support :

Community Engagement & Relationship Management :

Program Monitoring & Reporting :

What You'll Bring to the Role

Startup Program Management :

Stakeholder Management & Networking :

Operational & Financial Skills :

The Ideal Candidate

What We Offer

How to Apply

Please submit your application via email to Katrina Marsters at the address below by November 30, 2025. Along with your resume, please include a one-page cover letter that tells us about yourself, explains why you want to work at Start2 Group, and highlights why you are a good fit for this position.

Contact

Katrina Marsters

Operations Manager, Start2 Group, Inc.

katrina.marsters@start2.group

As part of the application process, candidates will be required to complete a Predictive Index behavioral assessment to assess cultural fit and personality traits. This assessment takes approximately 6 minutes to complete and will help us understand how well your skills and personality align with the requirements of the role and our company culture. The link to the assessment is provided below :

https : / / assessment.predictiveindex.com / bo / 94JJ / ProgramDirectorLifeSciencesPrizeChallenge_Oct2025_201412

About Start2 Group

Start2 Group is a global powerhouse taking your startup journey to the next level.

As a premier international innovation platform, we serve as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, and governments to shape and scale purpose-driven ventures.

Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of 6,000 startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. Our influence spans key markets across Europe, the America, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale.

Join us in fostering purpose-driven innovation across borders.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Start2 Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.