Associate Manager, Research Operations

MSD; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 101,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

MSD seeks a senior Operations Lead to implement and manage new assay services for research applications. You will coordinate verification/validation, scale reagent production and QC, and transfer protocols to testing teams while ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

You’ll collaborate with marketing, legal, procurement, and sales to support new offerings. The role requires strong leadership, project management, and knowledge of immunoassays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Master’s degree or PhD strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate verification and validation plans with QA.
• Coordinate reagent production and QC processes.
• Transfer large-scale reagent manufacturing to production teams; manage inventory.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

MS Office

MS Project

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

MS Project

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

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 be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of operational plans as well as managing teams to ensure the successful launch and sustainable operation of new assay services for research applications.

DUTIES AND 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 process for proficiency testing.
• Work with marketing and strategic sales to produce marketing materials and proposals that support sales of 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 in order 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 ensures allocated resources are aligned with forecasted work.
  • Perform quality reviews of project deliverables for compliance to established practices and standards.
  • Ensure smooth transition of project related methodologies to production and testing teams.
• Support research team in 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.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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 in order to meet established deadlines.
• Solid leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and the ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff. Ability to interact with a high level of patience, tact, and diplomacy, and can maintain composure under pressure. Can easily mediate and resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.
• 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:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• There are aspects of this position may require an individual to work at heights above four (4) feet and move/lift 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+.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $101,400. to $154,700. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors 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. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company‑paid short‑and‑long‑term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.

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