Executive Assistant to Head of Research

About This Role:
As the Executive Assistant to the Head of Research, you will be an integral part of our research leadership team, providing high-level administrative support and coordination. Your role will involve managing various crucial tasks such as organizing efficient communication, handling confidential information, and prioritizing multiple activities to ensure the smooth operation of the department. You will also collaborate with other administrative and operations staff to coordinate large site-level activities. Your contributions will help drive the success of our research initiatives and maintain the department's seamless integration into the overall business structure. This position requires a blend of professionalism, urgency, and the ability to handle sensitive material with the utmost discretion. If you are highly organized, agile and able to multi-task, comfortable with change, and have a background in projects or event coordination in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, along with experience supporting executive or C-suite organizations, this role is tailored for you. You must be within commuting distance to our Cambridge office, as onsite presence is required up to three times per week.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with the Head of Research and the leadership team.

• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements.

• Proactively address complex issues, make responsible decisions, and accomplish tasks independently.

• Collaborate with administrative and operations staff, offering support and maintaining effective communication.

• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant company policies and procedures.

• Assist in preparing business and operating review materials for internal and external meetings.

• Manage group document and knowledge repositories, ensuring efficient workflow.

• Support large-scale meetings with logistics coordination and other related activities.

• Act as a central point of contact for communication management, handling emails and phone calls.

• Prepare meeting agendas, track follow-up items, and coordinate travel arrangements.

• Assist in tracking the progress of research projects and ensure deadlines are met.

• Organize and maintain files and databases, ensuring confidentiality and easy access to information.

• Handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.

• Foster positive relationships with colleagues and external partners.

Who You Are:
You are proactive, agile, and organized, thriving under pressure while maintaining a collaborative spirit. Your exceptional communication skills and calm demeanor enable you to interact effectively with senior leaders and stakeholders. You possess a knack for organization, initiative, and sound judgment, always ready to take on additional responsibilities to meet organizational goals. Your enthusiasm and positive outlook make you a valued team player in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Associate’s degree is required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• 7+ years of administrative experience supporting executive-level teams, ideally in the life sciences industry.

• Ability to deliver in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and minimal supervision.

• Sound judgment, strategic and critical thinking skills for proactive problem-solving.

• High degree of maturity, discretion, and integrity in handling sensitive information.

• Team-oriented and collaborative with a strong work ethic.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and writing skills with strong emotional intelligence.

• Exceptional organizational skills and resourcefulness.

• Strong business acumen and ability to learn quickly.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; proficiency in SharePoint preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in creating and maintaining a department intranet site.

• Experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

• Prior support experience for executive or C-suite organizations.

Additional Information