Research and Development Project Manager

R&D Project Manager – Preclinical Development

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an innovative biotechnology organization, located in New Jersey, to identify an experienced R&D Project Manager who will play an important role in coordinating drug development activities and supporting the advancement of investigational therapies.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, science-driven environment where successful execution of development programs depends on effective coordination between internal teams and external research partners.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in pharmaceutical or biotechnology project management, particularly in the oversight of outsourced preclinical research. This individual will be responsible for keeping multiple development activities organized, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining productive relationships with contract research organizations (CROs) and other external partners.

*This is an operational project management position, not a laboratory-based scientific role.

Key Responsibilities

R&D Project Planning & Execution

• Coordinate day-to-day activities supporting preclinical drug development programs, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables remain on track.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, operational plans, and tracking tools to provide visibility into study progress and resource requirements.
• Identify potential project delays, operational challenges, and dependencies, working proactively with stakeholders to resolve issues.
• Support the execution of multiple research and development initiatives while balancing competing priorities.

External Partner & CRO Management

• Oversee operational activities performed by external research organizations, laboratories, and specialized service providers.
• Coordinate the planning, startup, monitoring, and completion of outsourced studies.
• Participate in vendor identification, proposal reviews, scope development, and service agreement negotiations.
• Monitor external partner performance, facilitate project meetings, and ensure timely resolution of operational concerns.
• Work with internal stakeholders to coordinate vendor agreements, project modifications, and associated financial commitments.

Preclinical Development Operations

• Provide project management support for outsourced pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetic, ADME/DMPK, and bioanalytical studies.
• Coordinate study materials, logistics, documentation, and communication between research partners and internal development functions.
• Support operational activities associated with IND-enabling studies and other regulatory development milestones.
• Maintain accurate study records, project documentation, and organized information systems to support quality and compliance expectations.

Budgeting, Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Track project spending, review vendor invoices and financial commitments, and assist with budget forecasting.
• Prepare project updates, milestone reports, risk assessments, and management presentations.
• Facilitate communication among scientific, regulatory, manufacturing, and operational stakeholders.
• Organize project meetings, document decisions, and follow through on action items.
• Contribute to process improvements that strengthen project efficiency, consistency, and oversight.
• Assist with additional development-related initiatives as organizational priorities evolve.

Required Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, business, project management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including project management, R&D operations, development program coordination, or external research oversight.
• Demonstrated success managing timelines, budgets, deliverables, and cross-functional activities within a drug development environment.
• Experience coordinating outsourced research activities and working directly with CROs or other scientific service providers.
• Strong understanding of project management practices, including scheduling, financial tracking, risk identification, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting critical deadlines.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management or scheduling platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience coordinating preclinical studies involving toxicology, pharmacology, DMPK/ADME, or bioanalytical testing.
• Familiarity with IND-enabling development activities and associated documentation requirements.
• Experience with vendor contracts, statements of work, change orders, and financial forecasting.
• Knowledge of regulated drug development processes and documentation practices.
• Prior experience in an emerging or growing biotechnology organization.
• Project management certification such as PMP or CAPM.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or comparable project management systems.

Additional Information

• Travel: Limited travel may be required, generally up to 15%.
• Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: Competitive benefits and total compensation offerings, including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, and potential incentive compensation.