Project Manager, Central Labs

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll join a global organization at the forefront of clinical research and laboratory science. In partnership with PPD, we support the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech organizations—successfully delivering over 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the past five years.

We are seeking a Project Manager, Central Labs to lead and coordinate central laboratory activities across clinical trial programs. This is a high-impact role requiring strong operational oversight, cross-functional leadership, and client engagement.

This is a fully remote role supporting our Global Central Laboratories. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US.  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. 

Role Overview

The Project Manager, Central Labs monitors and manages all aspects of designated clinical trial protocols in Global Central Labs and is accountable for overall project performance and client’s satisfaction by meeting their needs and expectations through the life cycle of the assigned clinical trials.

The Project Manager provides internal consulting on project management issues, identifies opportunities for process and efficiency improvement, acts as chief liaison to the operational personnel of major sponsors, and is responsible for large study programs. Additionally, the Project Manager prepares and maintains process documents and mentors Project Managers.

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and coordination of study initiation. Review, interpret, translate and program study protocols into a complete and accurate database. Communicate with internal departments and external vendors to ensure project requirements are understood, agreed upon, and followed at all times. Facilitate the flow of technical and clinical laboratory information to all stakeholders (investigational sites, sponsors, and non-technical personnel). Consult and utilize, where appropriate, the scientific input of laboratory management and technical staff to assist the client with management of the clinical trial.

• Prepare study specification documents and follow their preparation according to budgets and contracts. Maintain at all times an updated study master file with version controls for specifications, budgets, and contracts. Ensure sponsors have authorized and signed off on the most recent versions of all documents and that a contract exists prior to delivering any services. Assure compliance with FDA and Good Clinical Practice guidelines, PPD SOPs, personnel policies and procedures, PPD Exposure Control Plan, IATA, and other regulations regarding the transport of biological specimens.

• During the initial review of the protocol, consult with internal groups and support staff regarding procedural and budgetary items and the necessity for changes due to any subsequent protocol amendments. Obtain other functions’ commitment to close gaps and address issues timely and effectively. Serve as chief liaison between the sponsor and all PPD internal departments performing the required tasks during all study phases. Educate Investigator sites by delivering a protocol-specific lab procedures presentation and demonstration during an investigator meeting. Control, manage, and follow day-to-day activities during the course of the clinical trial to resolve any issues and answer queries.

• Actively consult with IT and data management development groups in the design, validation, and implementation of new software and functionalities pertinent to project management activities.

• Consult with BD and finance staff during initial project documentation review on standard services and costs, supporting RFP feasibility assessments. Advise on possible solutions if needed. Draft responses for proposals.

• Guide and support workflow of Project Managers and Set-up Administrators with special attention to training junior personnel, perform as a mentor and trainer for (newly assigned) Project Managers, identify areas for development and efficiencies in performing tasks, author, review, revise and implement relevant procedural documents, and serve as a backup for the Associate Director PM when needed.

Key Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 2+ years’) or equivalent combination of education, training, & experience.

Years of experience refers to typical years of related experience needed to gain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Years of experience are not to be used as the only determining factor in establishing the job class or making employment selection decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills

• Superior time management, planning, and organizational skills

• Competent with specific computers and enterprise applications, including office productivity

• Ability to program the IT system according to protocol requirements

• Proven analytical skills

• Demonstrated compliance with procedures and policies

• Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a stressful environment

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Project Management in Global Central Lab environment

• Strong client relationship management skills

• Ability to work effectively with multi-level teams

Working Environment

Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:

• Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.

• Able to work upright and stationary for typical working hours.

• Ability to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.

• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.

• May require travel. (Recruiter will provide more details.)

Why Join Thermo Fisher Scientific?

When you join us, you become part of a global organization committed to enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. You’ll collaborate with industry-leading experts, contribute to groundbreaking clinical research, and grow within an environment that values innovation, accountability, and continuous development.

If you’re ready to lead complex clinical laboratory projects and make a measurable impact, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today and help deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility/Disability Access

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