Product Strategy Manager - Antibody Applications

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Manager - Antibody Applications Company: Nuclera Location: Billerica, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Strategy / Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-25 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site (with travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic roadmap for antibody applications on Nuclera's eProtein Discovery™ system, focusing on market fit and adoption.
• Act as the primary antibody domain expert within the product organization, bridging customer needs with technical development.
• Develop and execute go-to-market plans and commercialization strategies for antibody-focused product offerings in the life sciences sector.
• Lead customer engagement and market research initiatives to distill voice-of-customer insights into actionable product requirements and business cases.
• Foster strategic partnerships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and industry collaborators to pioneer new use cases and expand the platform's differentiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a high-impact, strategic function within a venture-backed biotech company. The emphasis on "antibody applications" and "eProtein Discovery system" indicates a specialized focus within the broader life sciences product management landscape, requiring deep scientific acumen combined with commercial strategy. The "on-site" designation with 20% travel suggests a need for active presence in the Boston-area operations, with strategic outreach to customers and collaborators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and champion the overall antibody application strategy, identifying critical workflows and unmet customer needs within antibody discovery and reagent development.
• Develop and maintain a sequenced product roadmap, prioritizing initiatives that enhance the eProtein Discovery system's capabilities for antibody-related applications.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, commercial, marketing, and customer-facing teams to ensure product-market fit and successful commercialization of antibody solutions.
• Lead rigorous Voice-of-Customer (VOC) programs, including surveys, interviews, and advisory boards, to gather deep insights into protein science challenges.
• Translate VOC insights and competitive landscape analysis into compelling product requirements, business cases, and pricing models that drive adoption and revenue.
• Support the development of market messaging, product positioning, and customer segmentation strategies for antibody-focused offerings.
• Enable the transition from pilot programs to scalable revenue generation through validated use cases and robust product offerings.
• Act as the senior liaison between external stakeholders (customers, KOLs, sales, marketing) and internal teams (R&D, operations, quality, finance) to ensure alignment and clear communication.
• Contribute to strategic planning, resource prioritization, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships with key opinion leaders and collaborators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product planning, market analysis, customer advocacy, and cross-functional leadership. The emphasis on "roadmap development," "commercialization," and "strategic partnerships" signifies a role that bridges scientific innovation with business growth, particularly within the competitive biotech landscape.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in a relevant scientific field such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Equivalently, extensive application development experience in the antibody discovery or life sciences tools space may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product strategy, product management, or a closely related commercial role within the biotechnology or life sciences tools industry.
• Proven track record of successfully building and executing product roadmaps, aligning cross-functional teams, and launching innovative solutions.
• Significant experience in customer engagement, market validation, and commercial translation of scientific products.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of recombinant antibody development, expression, purification, and downstream applications in drug discovery and research.
• Expertise in product strategy development, including market analysis, competitive intelligence, and opportunity identification.
• Strong capability in market research methodologies, including Voice-of-Customer (VOC) programs, surveys, and in-depth customer interviews.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific concepts and customer needs into clear product requirements and business cases.
• Proven experience in go-to-market strategy development and execution, including market messaging, product positioning, and pricing strategy.
• Excellent cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and secure buy-in from diverse internal and external groups.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with benchtop instrumentation or platform technologies in the life sciences.
• Familiarity with protein science workflows beyond antibody applications.
• Experience working within a venture-backed startup environment.
• Knowledge of intellectual property considerations in product development.
• Familiarity with common CRM and product lifecycle management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an advanced degree in a scientific field, coupled with extensive knowledge of recombinant antibodies, strongly indicates that this role demands a candidate with a robust scientific background. The emphasis on "proven track record building roadmaps" and "customer engagement" points to a need for practical, hands-on experience in product management within a commercial context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of product strategy documents, including market opportunity analyses and competitive assessments relevant to life sciences tools.
• Present case studies detailing roadmap development processes, highlighting how customer insights and market trends informed prioritization.
• Include examples of go-to-market plans or commercialization strategies for new product launches or feature enhancements.
• Demonstrate experience in translating technical requirements into business objectives and commercial value propositions.
• Provide evidence of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management in product development cycles.

Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of market research methodologies and VOC program structures utilized.
• Process flows illustrating how customer feedback is integrated into product development lifecycle management.
• Frameworks for defining product requirements, business cases, and pricing models for scientific instruments or reagents.
• Examples of collaboration with R&D and commercial teams for product launch and scaling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio for this role would likely include strategic documents, market analyses, and examples of successful product launches or roadmap executions in the biotech or life sciences sector. Demonstrating a structured approach to product strategy, customer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration would be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Strategy Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Boston/Billerica, MA biotech hub, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized scientific knowledge required, the strategic nature of the role, and the company's venture-backed status.

Benefits:

• Company bonus scheme of 5% of base salary.
• Incentive stock options, providing potential for equity growth.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan for long-term financial planning.
• Generous paid time off: 25-day annual holiday allowance.
• Investment in professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Office amenities including fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Social benefits such as organized summer and other staff events.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely aligned with a 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions in the US. However, the fast-paced startup environment may necessitate flexibility and a commitment that extends beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified geographic location and industry. The provided benefits are comprehensive, reflecting a typical package for a growth-stage biotech company aiming to attract and retain talent. The "fast-paced, startup environment" mentioned in the description suggests that while 40 hours is standard, actual hours may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Life Sciences Tools. Nuclera operates at the intersection of molecular biology, protein engineering, and instrumentation, aiming to streamline drug discovery research. Company Size: Nuclera is described as a venture-backed company. While the exact number of employees isn't stated, this typically implies a growth-stage company, likely ranging from 50-250 employees, characterized by agility and a dynamic work environment. Founded: The company was founded in an unspecified year but is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with significant operations in Boston, USA. This suggests a relatively established yet rapidly evolving organization with international reach.

Team Structure:

• The Product organization likely includes product managers, product marketing, and potentially product operations specialists, working closely with R&D, engineering, and commercial teams.
• This role reports into a senior product leadership position, likely a Head of Product or VP of Product.
• Close collaboration is expected with R&D scientists, field application scientists, sales representatives, and marketing specialists to ensure successful product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging market research, customer feedback, and performance metrics to inform product strategy.
• Agile methodologies may be employed for product development and roadmap execution, allowing for flexibility and rapid iteration.
• A strong emphasis on customer-centricity is evident, with a need to deeply understand and address the pain points of researchers in antibody discovery.
• Cross-functional collaboration and open communication are essential for aligning diverse teams towards common product goals.

Company Website: nuclera.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a venture-backed biotech firm, Nuclera likely fosters a culture of innovation, speed, and scientific rigor. The dual presence in the UK and US suggests a global outlook. The "fast-paced, startup environment" implies a hands-on approach and a culture where individual contributions significantly impact the company's trajectory.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor within the product management function, focusing specifically on a key application area (antibody applications). It requires significant domain expertise and strategic thinking, indicative of a mid-to-senior level product professional. Reporting Structure: The Product Strategy Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Management, who oversees the broader product portfolio. This individual will then collaborate extensively with various departments, including R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Operations. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation and market penetration by defining the product strategy for a core application area. Success in this role will translate into increased adoption of Nuclera's eProtein Discovery™ system among antibody developers, directly contributing to the company's growth and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in antibody applications and protein science, becoming a recognized authority within the company and industry.
• Leadership: Progress into a senior product management role, potentially managing a broader product line or a team of product managers.
• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the company's overall product vision and long-term strategy, particularly in the critical drug discovery market.
• Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure to various aspects of the business, including R&D, commercial operations, and business development, fostering a holistic understanding of the biotech industry.
• Industry Engagement: Represent Nuclera at industry conferences and engage with thought leaders, enhancing professional network and industry reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within product management in the specialized biotech sector. The opportunity to influence product strategy in a growing company provides significant potential for professional development and leadership growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" within Billerica, Massachusetts, suggesting a professional office environment typical of a biotech company. This would likely include laboratory spaces, R&D facilities, and collaborative office areas. Office Location(s): The primary operational hub is in Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, with a headquarters in Cambridge, UK. This indicates a company with a significant US presence in a key biotech cluster.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction between product management, R&D, and commercial teams.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and scientific instrumentation within the R&D facilities would be probable.
• The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of a venture-backed startup.
• Opportunities for direct customer interaction and field engagement are integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. However, given the startup nature and the strategic demands of the role, flexibility may be required. The 20% travel component will also influence the weekly schedule, requiring planning for customer meetings, industry events, and potential visits to the UK office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Billerica location places the employee within the vibrant Massachusetts biotech ecosystem, offering access to talent and industry networks. The hybrid nature of the role (on-site with travel) suggests a need for strong organizational skills to manage both in-office responsibilities and external engagements effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a role like this in a biotech company typically involves multiple stages designed to assess scientific knowledge, strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, product strategy approach, and understanding of the antibody market. Expect questions about your past successes and how you handle challenges.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, Marketing, and Sales to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of their respective functions. These may include technical discussions and scenario-based questions.
• Case Study or Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a product strategy or market analysis for a hypothetical or actual product. This is a crucial step to assess strategic thinking and communication abilities.
• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Product, CEO) to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best demonstrate your product strategy, roadmap development, and commercialization experience, particularly in life sciences or biotech.
• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the key actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., market adoption, revenue growth, customer satisfaction). Quantify impact whenever possible.
• Highlight Process: Explain your methodology for market research, VOC gathering, roadmap prioritization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Focus on Antibody Applications: If possible, include examples directly related to antibody discovery, protein science, or similar complex biological applications.
• Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Be prepared to walk through each piece concisely, highlighting your specific contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be ready to analyze a specific segment of the antibody market, identify unmet needs, and propose product strategy recommendations.
• Roadmap Prioritization: Prepare to discuss how you would prioritize features or product initiatives given limited resources and competing demands.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Outline a plan for launching a new product or application for the eProtein Discovery system, considering target audience, messaging, and channels.
• Customer Scenario: Practice articulating how you would engage with a challenging customer or KOL to gather feedback or address concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and commercial execution. Preparing a portfolio that showcases concrete examples of product strategy development, market analysis, and successful commercialization efforts within the life sciences sector will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM: Salesforce (or similar CRM for managing customer interactions and sales pipeline insights).
• Product Management Software: Jira, Confluence, Aha!, Productboard (for roadmap planning, requirements management, and documentation).
• Data Analysis & BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or advanced Excel/Google Sheets for analyzing market data, customer feedback, and product performance metrics.
• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, Monday.com (for tracking project progress and cross-functional team activities).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Platforms: Tools for competitive intelligence gathering and market trend analysis.
• Customer Feedback Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics for VOC programs.
• Web Analytics: Google Analytics (if product has a significant online component).

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation: HubSpot, Marketo (for supporting go-to-market campaigns and lead nurturing).
• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software systems integrate to provide a cohesive view of customer and product data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard product management and CRM tools is expected. The ability to leverage data analysis and market research tools to inform strategy will be a key differentiator. Familiarity with tools used in the life sciences R&D context (e.g., bioinformatics tools, LIMS) might also be beneficial, though not explicitly listed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to push boundaries in protein science and biotechnology through novel product development.
• Customer Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and solving customer pain points in research and drug discovery.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and open communication across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Scientific Rigor: Commitment to data-driven decisions, robust research, and high-quality product development.
• Agility & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment, embracing change and learning quickly.
• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible value to researchers and contributing to scientific advancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams, requiring active participation in strategy sessions and project execution.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and open dialogue to refine product strategies and improve processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of market insights, customer feedback, and technical learnings across teams.
• Partnership Building: A proactive approach to building and nurturing relationships with external KOLs and collaborators to drive innovation and validate product use cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values likely reflect a blend of scientific excellence, customer-centricity, and the dynamic nature of a biotech startup. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and adapt to evolving priorities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Dynamics: Navigating a competitive landscape in the life sciences tools market, requiring continuous innovation and differentiation.
• Product Adoption: Driving adoption of a novel platform like eProtein Discovery™ requires effective education, validation, and demonstration of value to the target audience.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent strategic direction and execution across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities.
• Balancing Strategy & Execution: Effectively translating high-level product strategy into actionable plans for R&D and commercial teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Global Operations: Managing product strategy across different geographical markets and regulatory environments, including coordination with the UK headquarters.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Domain Expertise: Gain extensive knowledge in antibody applications, protein expression, and drug discovery workflows.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the core product strategy of a growing biotech company, influencing its direction and market impact.
• Commercial Acumen: Develop expertise in product marketing, sales enablement, and commercialization strategies within the life sciences sector.
• Industry Exposure: Attend leading scientific and industry conferences, interact with KOLs, and build a professional network.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to mentor junior team members or take on leadership of broader product areas as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common to innovative biotech startups, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant, offering deep specialization and potential for leadership within a rapidly advancing field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a product roadmap for a new life sciences technology. How do you prioritize features and manage trade-offs?"
• "Walk me through a time you identified a significant unmet customer need and translated it into a successful product strategy or feature. What was the impact?"
• "How do you stay informed about market trends, competitive activities, and emerging technologies in the antibody discovery space?"
• "Imagine we want to expand the eProtein Discovery system's use cases for therapeutic antibody development. What would be your initial steps to define this strategy?"
• "How do you approach pricing strategy for innovative biotech products, considering both value and market adoption?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Nuclera and our eProtein Discovery™ system?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with R&D and commercial teams to ensure successful product launches?"
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment. How do you manage competing priorities?"
• "What are your thoughts on the current landscape of antibody discovery tools and technologies?"
• "How would you contribute to Nuclera's culture of innovation and customer focus?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of Nuclera and the role, then present 2-3 key portfolio examples. For each example:
  1. Context: Briefly describe the product/project and the market opportunity.
  2. Problem: Clearly articulate the customer pain point or unmet need.
  3. Strategy: Detail your approach – market research, VOC, roadmap development, etc.
  4. Execution: Outline key actions taken and cross-functional collaboration.
  5. Impact: Quantify results (adoption, revenue, efficiency gains) and lessons learned.
• Data Visualization: Use clear charts and graphs to present data, market trends, and performance metrics.
• Conciseness: Aim for 5-7 minutes per case study to allow time for Q&A.
• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Relevance: Tailor your examples to emphasize antibody applications, life sciences tools, or strategic product management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of product strategy, market dynamics within biotech, and effective cross-functional leadership. Be ready to articulate specific examples of past successes and provide strategic insights relevant to Nuclera's business.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategy Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to product strategy, antibody applications, life sciences, and customer engagement. Quantify achievements with data and metrics whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 impactful case studies demonstrating your product strategy development, roadmap execution, and commercialization success. Focus on clarity, impact, and relevance to the role.
• Research Nuclera: Familiarize yourself with Nuclera's technology (eProtein Discovery™), mission, target market, and recent developments. Understand their competitive landscape.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your qualifications, strategic approach, and passion for the role during interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio smoothly and engagingly.
• Prepare Insightful Questions: Develop thoughtful questions about the role, the team, the company's strategy, and the challenges ahead.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.