Animal Husbandry, Biology, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Budget Management, Budgeting, Change Requests/Orders, Clinical Trial, Communication Skills, Contract Research Organization (CRO), Cross-Functional, Customer Satisfaction, Documentation, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Flexible Spending Accounts, Gene Therapy, Healthcare, Industry/Trade Analysis, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Multitasking, Neuroscience, Oncology, Operational Support, Operations Processes, Ophthalmology, Organizational Skills, Pharmacology, Pre-Clinical Development, Project Execution, Project Lifecycle, Project Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Proposal Writing, Regulations, Research & Development (R&D), Risk Analysis, Sales Management, Small Molecules, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Team Player, Translational Research, Veterinary Medicine
Position: Associate Project Manager, Preclinical Research
Salary Range: $65k - $80k
Location: Carlsbad, CA (On-site)
About Pharmaron
Pharmaron is a global CRO (Contract Research Organization) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.
About the Role
Pharmaron is seeking a highly motivated Associate Project Manager to support our Preclinical Research team in Carlsbad, CA.
This role will serve as a key scientific and operational liaison supporting preclinical research programs focused on ophthalmology, ocular therapeutics, CNS, oncology, and advanced therapeutic modalities including cell and gene therapy (CGT).
The successful candidate will partner closely with sponsors, scientists, veterinarians, and operational teams to coordinate study execution, manage client communications, develop proposals and budgets, and support complex preclinical research programs from initiation through completion.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Client Management
- Serve as a primary point of contact for sponsors supporting preclinical ophthalmology and in vivo research programs
- Coordinate study timelines, deliverables, budgets, scopes of work, amendments, and project documentation
- Maintain proactive communication with clients regarding study progress, milestones, and operational updates
- Support internal project management operations including preparation of scopes of work, change orders, and study amendments
- Develop and manage project plans while ensuring alignment with study objectives and operational capabilities
Scientific & Operational Collaboration
- Partner cross-functionally with scientific, operational, and business teams to support successful study execution
- Develop a strong understanding of Pharmaron's preclinical in vivo workflows, technical capabilities, and service offerings
- Enhance familiarity with departmental procedures, equipment, and standard operating procedures
- Support proposal development including study design coordination, budget preparation, and project planning activities
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction
Compliance & Program Oversight
- Ensure projects align with regulatory standards, study requirements, and internal operational processes
- Support projects involving ophthalmology, CNS, oncology, and advanced therapeutic modalities including CGT programs
- Identify project risks proactively and support mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables
- Maintain accurate project documentation and internal tracking systems
- Ensure high-quality communication and documentation throughout the project lifecycle
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Animal Science, Ophthalmology, or related scientific discipline
- Prior experience in project coordination or project management within a CRO, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or preclinical research environment preferred
- Experience supporting ophthalmology, in vivo, translational research, or CGT programs is highly desirable
- Strong understanding of preclinical research workflows and regulatory expectations
- Ability to independently prepare proposals, budgets, scopes of work, and project documentation
- Excellent communication, organizational, and client management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced scientific environment
- Motivation to learn and adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies
Why Pharmaron?
Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.
Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.
Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
- Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
- Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
- Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401k plan with generous employer match
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program
How to Apply:
Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.
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