CMC Manager
Redwood City, CA
Autophagy Enhancement /
Full-time /
On-site
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.
Our autophagy program is advancing rapidly and leading the charge in translating our science into a first-in-human clinical trial, marking a major step toward delivering transformative therapies rooted in the biology of aging.
We’re hiring a new team member to coordinate and optimize the operational infrastructure needed to advance our autophagy-enhancing compounds into the clinic. In this highly cross-functional role, you’ll bridge drug development and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) to ensure a seamless transition from discovery to first-in-human studies. You’ll focus on drug substance and product readiness, planning and managing clinical trial material (CTM) supply, and aligning cross-functional timelines to drive development forward. This role reports to the Head of Early Drug Development.
About you:
You share our sense of urgency and excitement, and thrive in fast-paced, interdisciplinary environments. You work well independently but will also enjoy being part of a highly-collaborative, multi-disciplinary team. You understand how to work on a lean team, both leading strategic aspects of a process while also doing the hands-on work. You are excited to take on tough challenges and contribute to advancing therapies that extend healthy human lifespan!
In this role you will:
- Support route scouting, process chemistry, analytical activities, and manufacturing of small-molecule investigational products.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of CMC strategies, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Assist in managing CROs, CDMOs, and managing day-to-day execution and vendor relationships.
- Manage drug substances and internal chemical libraries with proper documentation and traceability.
- Working closely with internal teams such as clinical operations, regulatory, CMC, and others to align on timelines and ensure seamless supply chain operations.
- Forecast drug supply needs, managing inventory, and supporting clinical supply activities, such as import and export, customs clearance, etc.
You might thrive in this role if you have:
- A bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry or related field with at least 5 years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical.
- An understanding of small molecule drug substance and drug product development.
- Basic understanding of regulatory documentation (Module 3 of the CTD, IND/IMPD content).
- Experience in forecasting and inventory management.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
It’s a bonus if you have:
- Experience with clinical trial supply planning, including labeling and packaging, import/export coordination, and depot and site distribution.
- Good understanding of IRT/IWRS system in support of clinical studies
- Knowledge in IND/IMPD/CTN submissions.
- Exposure to autophagy-related programs or aging biology.
- Experience in early-phase trial logistics (e.g., CTN in Australia, global depot management).
$110,000 - $140,000 a year
At Retro, we don’t use titles. New hires join as a “Member of X Team.” Depending on experience, this role could flex from a Specialist/Senior Specialist level to an Associate Manager/Manager level.
Total compensation includes competitive base salary, generous equity, and benefits including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
- 401(k) plan with 4% matching
- Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
- Paid parental leave
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
