Assistant Project Manager (NIH/NIEHS, Durham, NC)

Priority One Services; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority One Services seeks an Assistant Project Manager to support NIH/NIEHS contract operations, oversee Breeding and Cagewash areas, and manage daily staffing, documentation, budgets, and reporting. You will coordinate with supervisors, the training department, and government representatives in a high‑compliance environment.

The role requires leadership, project coordination, and strong communication, with emphasis on safety, regulations, and effective resource management across multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or animal science preferred.
• AALAS LATG certification required with 4+ years in rodent facilities; 2+ years supervision.
• Training in microbiology, biology, animal husbandry, and rodent breeding.
• Familiarity with AAALAC accreditation and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and oversight to all contract positions.
• Organize and manage the Breeding and Cagewash areas.
• Plan and allocate staff resources to ensure task coverage.
• Monitor overtime, adjust staffing, and report to the government.
• Develop disaster preparedness documentation and emergency procedures.
• Conduct Quality Assurance inspections.
• Coordinate with Contracting Officer’s Representative and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

English proficiency

Resource planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or animal science

Tools

eSirius

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Operations Manager and Project Manager, the Assistant Project Manager supports effective administration of the NIH/NIEHS contract and provides oversight to Priority One Services employees assigned to the Breeding and Cagewash areas. The position is accountable for daily operations, staffing, issue resolution, contractual documentation, budgets, reports, employee performance, and coordination with the training department. The Assistant Project Manager maintains a professional business appearance and demeanor while performing or attending business functions.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Work assignments are based on contract requirements and may include the following duties:

• Provide competent and appropriate direction and oversight to all positions supporting the contract.
• Organize and manage the Breeding and Cagewash areas.
• Plan and allocate staff resources to ensure coverage of all required tasks.
• Monitor overtime, adjust staffing when appropriate, and report overtime to the government.
• Apply operational and facility-management knowledge to support daily activities in AAALAC International-accredited facilities.
• Coordinate training needs with frontline supervisors and the training department, including required health and safety training, and document employee progress and performance deficiencies.
• Create and maintain reports, forms, budgets, and communications using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and other applicable software.
• Serve as a liaison and communicate with the Contracting Officer’s Representative, Program Manager, supervisors, compliance assurance personnel, veterinarians, and research staff.
• Develop action plans to manage contract tasks, provide supervisors with the resources needed to perform their duties, and submit required documentation in accordance with task-specific requirements.
• Provide administrative and human resources support related to employee relations and workforce administration.
• Develop, organize, and maintain disaster preparedness documentation and emergency procedures for government closures.
• Set, adjust, communicate, and monitor performance goals and standards for Priority One Services employees.
• Apply effective recruiting and retention methods to support workforce stability.
• Assist, when requested, with experimental planning, logistics, and project scheduling.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, team building, and management skills through professional communication, counseling, conflict resolution, and personal example.
• Conduct Quality Assurance inspections.
• Maintain awareness of each department’s strengths and technical capabilities and identify areas requiring additional training or expertise to broaden available support services.
• Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals.
• Maintain broad knowledge and competence in rodent breeding, cagewash operations, laboratory animal husbandry, technical procedures, and facility management.
• Ensure personnel understand and comply with facility and NIEHS SOPs; NIH policies; applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and safety, security, and confidentiality requirements.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the Program Manager or contract management.

SUPERVISES

• Priority One Services employees.

RELATIONSHIPS

A. Internal:

• Contract Management Team

B. External:

2. Client Facility Managers

3. Task Project Officer(s)

4. Veterinary staff

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• A bachelor’s degree in biology or animal science is preferred. Relevant formal education may be substituted for experience in accordance with contract requirements.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level is required, along with at least four years of experience in a rodent facility, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
• Training in microbiology, biology, animal husbandry, and rodent breeding is required.
• Familiarity with AAALAC International accreditation requirements and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees across multiple labor categories.
• Working knowledge of eSirius or a comparable electronic facility management system and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Professional command of written and spoken English.