Project Lead, Investigator-Initiated Trials (Associate Director)
- Department
- Development
ProQR Therapeutics is a NASDAQ-listed biotechnology company headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands with an office in and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. In addition to our global presence, ProQR operates through a legal entity in China to support local collaborations and clinical research activities.
At ProQR, we are on a mission to edit RNA, treat disease and change lives. A team of 180+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is committed to pioneering transformative RNA therapies to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve.
Our proprietary Axiomer™ RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), a protein which is present in all human cells, to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases. By harnessing the power of RNA editing, we aim to create a world where genetics inform your health - but never limit it.
Department: Development
Location: Shanghai
As Project Lead, IIT China, you will be ProQR’s primary representative in China, responsible for establishing and driving Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT) activities in the region through our local legal entity.
This is a standalone, individual contributor role requiring a high degree of autonomy. You will act as a hands-on project leader, responsible for building and executing IIT collaborations from the ground up.
The role focuses on early-stage, pre-IND and preclinical programs, with the objective of generating initial human data and validating translational potential in an exploratory setting. You will leverage preclinical insights to initiate IITs in China, helping to de-risk programs and inform future global clinical development.
You will work closely with global teams while independently managing relationships with investigators, hospitals, and academic institutions in China. The role is highly operational and execution-driven, requiring a pragmatic, action-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset.
What You Will Do:Represent ProQR in China and build a strong network of investigators, hospitals, and academic institutions
Serve as the primary point of contact for IIT activities in the region
Identify and prioritize IIT opportunities based on preclinical data and scientific rationale
Design and initiate IITs aimed at early validation and evidence generation
Drive the full IIT lifecycle, including feasibility, alignment, budgeting, contracting, and study start-up
Ensure compliance with local regulations (NHC, ethics committees, China GCP) and ProQR policies
Monitor study progress, timelines, and deliverables; proactively manage risks and resolve issues
Act as the liaison between China-based investigators and global ProQR teams
Maintain oversight of documentation, tracking, and reporting to ensure quality and audit readiness
Generate insights from IITs to support program de-risking and future global clinical development
Contribute to expanding ProQR’s presence and partnerships in China
Establish processes and ways of working in a build-from-scratch environment
Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, or a related field
5+ years of experience in preclinical development, early-stage clinical research, or translational science
Experience with Investigator-Initiated Trials and/or external research collaborations
Strong experience within the Chinese clinical research environment
Strong understanding of clinical research and regulatory requirements in China
Hands-on, execution-driven mindset
Ability to operate independently in a standalone role
Strong problem-solving skills
Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
Strong stakeholder management across cultures and geographies
Pragmatic, proactive, and resilient
High level of integrity and compliance awareness
Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (spoken and written)
As an employer, we value a diverse workforce in which people are encouraged to develop themselves both personally and professionally. We believe that when people are happy, energized and supported by an environment in which they can thrive, they can achieve extraordinary things.
We are committed to ensuring that no employee, candidate, or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.
We offer an innovative working environment in a highly committed organization, including competitive compensation, stock options, and attractive benefits.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a standalone role, enjoys building from scratch, and is motivated by our mission to edit RNA, treat disease, and change lives. Are you up for the challenge? Submit your application via the Apply button below. Please contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.
As part of our hiring process, an integrity screening conducted by Pinkerton may be required for this role.
#LI-SC1
