Associate Project Manager , Translational Sciences

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Hybrid role based at our Houston, TX facility; however, open to remote candidates who strongly align in areas of experience and background. Preference will be given to local candidates. 

Position Summary: 

This role will lead new and existing CRO laboratory projects across a range of disciplines, all with the focus on accelerating the development and adoption of novel therapeutics. This includes assay development and clinical testing, biorepository/sample management and logistics, and kitting for client studies spanning the globe. This is a key role which is client-facing, ensuring project plans are translated into action and results, requiring internal cross-functional leadership. 

With limited supervision, leads and manages all aspects of designated projects and is accountable for overall project performance and client satisfaction by meeting their needs and expectations throughout the lifecycle of assigned projects. Serves as the cross-functional lead for assigned projects and monitors operational delivery progress against contracted timelines and budget. 

Essential Information:  

• Leads projects from conception through close-out, ensuring detailed planning and execution, risk management, communication and stakeholder management, scope and cost control with limited supervision. 

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained 

• Develops professional expertise, applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues 

• Contacts are both internal to the company and external with client/vendor on routine matters 

• Builds productive internal/external working relationships 

• Normally receives limited instructions on routine work, minimal instructions on new projects or assignments 
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action 

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to:  

• Creates and manage project timelines, budgets and revenue goals, resource plans, while comparing to contracted project scope(s), fully exploring new ideas that optimize quality and efficiency 

• Maintains detailed daily coordination and supervision of scheduled activities 

• As the face of the company and key partner to clients and collaborators, effectively leads implementation of new and ongoing studies 

• Coordinates the development and implementation of new projects 

• Creates, tracks, and reports on project timelines 

• Communicates with clients and collaborators with regard to data management, inventory control, shipping procedures, etc. for all assigned areas 

• Produces and distribute status, tracking, and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders 

• Coordinates data gathering 

• Prepares and presents project information at internal and external meetings; prepares reports and correspondences to clients, collaborators, and vendors 

• Meets all revenue objectives assigned to projects, project expenses, and client billing. Evaluates contract/project budgets on a monthly basis and report unexpected variances to department director 

• Creates/tracks/reports relevant metrics for business and project measurement 

• Assists senior staff, as required 

• Identifies out of scope project work; escalates findings and action plans to appropriate parties 

• Manages all tasks in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring client expectations are met and clients are satisfied 

• Reviews, updates, and evolves all documentation associated with project(s) to approvable status 

• Assesses and mitigate technical, project, and business risks 

• Ensures that work product complies with design and performance standards, regulatory environment and client expectations. Enforce standards applicable to each step in project execution 

• Identifies, resolve, and assist in resolution of operational issues 

• Monitors assignments and adjusts priorities and work schedule to meet deadlines and provide high quality deliverables. Completes additional tasks needed in support of project, client and departmental objectives 

• Completes other responsibilities, as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Minimum Required: 

Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field, and one year of applicable experience that provides knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the role with a high degree of success, such as extensive and impactful project support experience in biotechnology, clinical trials, central lab, repository, or pharmaceutical industry. 

Other Required: 

• Excellent computer skills and experience with MS Office/MS 365 applications 

• Proven track record of coordination and communication with team members across disparate technical and business backgrounds such as R&D, Operations, Finance, Business Development, Sales, Manufacturing, Executive Management, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs; ability to lead and drive stakeholder discussions 

• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, organizational, and multi-tasking skills; skilled emotional intelligence 

• Able to work in front of a computer for extended hours at a time 

• Strong understanding of project management and data analysis 

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills 

• Exceptional use of judgment and discretion 

• Able to read, write, and fluently speak and comprehend the English language 

• Proven track record of being a team player, willing to interact proactively and productively 

• Must possess a valid driver's license; must be able to travel both domestically and internationally, including overnight stays (~10-25%) 
• Extended work hours may be necessary in order to meet business demands 

Preferred: 

• Familiarity with GCLP, GLP, GMP, CLIA, and ISO regulatory guidelines 

• Familiarity with Smartsheet or other Project Management tools