Katarina Belačić, PhD, PMP

Senior Manager @ VALANX Biotech

About

I am a PMP-certified R&D project leader with a PhD in Molecular Biology and experience driving complex scientific programs in the biotech sector. My work sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution - translating innovative research into structured, high-impact projects that deliver measurable results. I am particularly passionate about enabling scientists to do their best work by building clear structures, strong teams, and efficient processes that turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact. I am always open to connecting with professionals working in biotech, life sciences innovation, and R&D program leadership.

Country

Austria

City

Vienna

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Research Project Management, Project Coordination, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Market Research, Project Planning, Team Building, Team Leadership, Performance Metrics, Communication, Interviewing, Critical Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, Collaborative Problem Solving, Client Relations, Time Management, Problem Solving, Molecular Biology, Research Skills, Scientific Writing

Experience

Senior Manager

VALANX Biotech

2024-12 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

Vienna, Austria

• Leading the company’s frontrunner project focused on Antibody Drug Conjugate development for targeted cancer therapy • Overseeing project activities to ensure alignment with the timeline and budget by moderating weekly project status meetings and regular financial reporting to the grant agency • Managing cross-functional team of 7 scientists from 2 departments, providing constructive feedback to support continuous individual’s growth, initiating and coordinating team development workshops to promote better teamwork • Contributing to the business strategy and expansion of partnering network by providing technical expertise to business development team, attending partnering events (BioEurope) and following up with potential partners • Ensuring clear communication and collaboration among internal stakeholders (scientific staff, operations, C-level executives) and external stakeholders (CROs, partners) for effective project execution

Scientist

VALANX Biotech

2022-11 - 2024-12 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Vienna, Austria

• Management of scientific projects leading to 1 collaboration and 1 customer project focused on scFv and VHH conjugates • Research of relevant literature, planning and execution of experiments and supervision of data generation and analysis • Supervision and training of 3 team members, performing regular performance reviews and feedback sessions • Establishment and administration of the R&D Cloud LIMS for integrated data capture from cross functional teams • Communication to internal and external stakeholders; regular reporting project progress and outcomes

PHD Graduate Student

Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)

2019-2 - 2022-10 · 3 yrs 9 mos

Vienna, Austria

Field of structural biology and biochemistry Group of Dr. David Haselbach - Independent management of research project aiming to characterize rescue mechanisms of 26S proteasome complex using biochemical, biophysical, and structural methods - Responsible person for OneMP instrument (mass photometry) usage and maintenance (training, troubleshooting, assisting in measurements) - Establishing several internal and external collaborations - Networking and presenting at scientific conferences and workshops - Mentored and guided students during their bachelor's/master's theses

Masters Student

Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)

2018-3 - 2019-1 · 11 mos

Austria

Pharmacovigilance and Regulatory Business Assistant

Ewopharma

2017-7 - 2018-1 · 7 mos

Croatia

Assistance with the preparation and management of documents for marketing authorization Assistance with Pharmacovigilance documentation Maintenance and organization of databases