RDTC Project Manager

Rare Disease Translational Center (RDTC) – Project Manager

Position Summary

The RDTC Project Manager (PM) brings strong theoretical and practical knowledge of the biological sciences to manage complex, cross-functional projects that support RDTC programs. Working closely with Study Directors and collaborators, the PM defines project scope, goals, timelines, and deliverables, and is accountable for project coordination, execution, and completion. This role requires a solid understanding of operational processes, service deliverables, and available resources, along with strong communication skills and proficiency with project tracking tools.

About the RDTC

The Rare Disease Translational Center supports the mission of The Jackson Laboratory: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community to improve human health. The RDTC partners with foundations and teams of basic and clinical researchers to generate custom mouse models with clinically relevant mutations and advance therapeutic development for rare diseases.

Role Overview

Acting as the primary owner of project execution, the PM works largely independently while collaborating closely with operations daily to ensure projects remain on track and resources are used responsibly. The PM oversees complex projects, proactively identifies risks or deviations from agreed-upon timelines, scope, or deliverables, and escalates critical issues to the Study Director as needed. The role requires active, hands-on engagement with studies, including direct experimental and animal work in support of project execution.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Lead end-to-end project management, including coordination across departments, progress tracking, and database updates.
• Proactively identify risks, schedule deviations, or resource constraints and take action to keep projects aligned with agreed deliverables.
• Drive progress across contributing teams to ensure project goals and study milestones are met.
• Lead project initiation activities, including ensuring awareness of, adherence to, and coordination with approved IACUC and IBC protocols in collaboration with Study Directors and operations teams.
• Develop accurate, detailed study timelines in collaboration with Study Directors.
• Secure animals, facilities, staff, and reagents required for successful study execution.
• Follow established RDTC workflows and standard operating procedures for data collection, tracking, and quality control (QC), ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and compliance, and flagging deviations or data quality issues to the Study Director.
• Provide timely and accurate data updates to Study Directors and, as appropriate, collaborators.
• Pilot, validate, and implement new assays; provide training as needed.
• Perform hands-on experimental work in the wet lab and animal rooms as an integral part of study execution.
• Other duties as needed in direct support of RDTC projects.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or related scientific field with 4–6 years of relevant project management and hands-on laboratory experience; or
• Master’s or PhD degree with relevant experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Strong foundation in the biological sciences with the ability to understand and support complex preclinical study designs.
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency with wet bench laboratory techniques; this experience is required.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting in vivo mouse studies; comfort with semi-regular work in animal rooms with mice is required.
• Ability to balance scientific execution with project coordination responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously; attention to detail and exceptional organizational approach required
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word; SharePoint; and project management or tracking software. Strong preference for experience with GraphPad Prism and statistical or other programming tools (e.g., R, RStudio).
• Demonstrated critical thinking, sound scientific judgment, and strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data, assess study-level implications, think creatively about solutions, and make informed decisions in collaboration with Study Directors.
• Ability to provide guidance and training to technical and support staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility in work schedule as needed to support active studies.

Education: Bachelor’s required; Master’s or PhD preferred

Experience: 4 years required; 6 years preferred

Pay Range: $65018 - $108857

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.