Associate Manager, Research Operations

About the role

This position is responsible for implementing and managing operations related to new and future services and products developed within the research group. The incumbent will assist in the development and implementation of operational plans and manage teams to ensure the successful launch and sustainable operation of new assay services for research applications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development and implementation of verification and validation plans for each new offering in collaboration with the quality assurance department.
• Coordinate scalable reagent production processes, and develop and implement reagent QC processes.
• Coordinate transfer of large-scale reagent manufacturing to production teams as needed. Manage reagent inventory and ongoing reagent production for new assay service(s).
• Coordinate transfer of new assay protocols to testing teams. Ensure teams are properly trained on new protocols and implement a process for proficiency testing.
• Work with marketing and strategic sales to produce marketing materials and proposals that support sales of the new assay portfolio.
• Oversee/manage customer projects to ensure results are delivered on time, within budget, adhere to quality standards, and meet customer expectations.
• Collaborate with legal, customer service, procurement, and sales teams on execution of service agreements.
• Manage work efforts of cross-functional project teams to deliver projects according to project and program plans:
  • Identify project issues and proactively implement plans to resolve such issues and mitigate project impact.
  • Determine resource needs and ensure allocated resources are aligned with forecasted work.
  • Perform quality reviews of project deliverables for compliance with established practices and standards.
  • Ensure smooth transition of project-related methodologies to production and testing teams.
• Support the research team in the development of new services and products.
• Manage, train, and coach operations team staff while motivating them to meet and exceed established metrics and goals.
• Specific duties will change over time depending upon departmental and project requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Master’s degree or PhD is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of four years of experience with immunoassay testing and/or development.
• A minimum of one year of supervisory experience.
• Project management certification or completion of a recognized project management curriculum or equivalent work experience (desired but not required).
• Experience in a research or clinical-focused services organization (desired).
• Experience in life science, GMP, government contracting, or other regulated industry (desired).

Skills

• Strong analytical background.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of immunoassays, their development, and their applicability in different research fields.
• Organizational, project, and priority management skills for planning, executing, and following up on issues, projects, and daily responsibilities to meet established deadlines.
• Solid leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices, including establishing accountabilities, expectations, and managing performance.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of format (e.g., documents, public speaking, presentations).
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff, demonstrating patience, tact, and diplomacy. Ability to maintain composure under pressure and mediate and resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in executing and completing assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-energy, demanding, and deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently, as an effective team member, and with all levels of the company.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; MS Project experience (desired).

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit and stand for long periods.
• Occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• May require working at heights above four (4) feet and moving/lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a traditional office environment and in standard biology laboratory environments with chemical and biological reagents up to BSL-2+.

Pay

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $101,400 to $154,700. This range represents a general guideline, as other factors are considered when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness club membership contribution.
• Pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts.
• Optional supplemental life insurance.