Associate Project Manager or Project Manager

Smithers-Pds-; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K retirement plan

PTO

Job summary

Smithers PDS LLC in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking an Associate Project Manager or Project Manager to serve as the client’s primary contact and oversee study conduct. The role ensures deliverables are met on-time, within scope, and within established quality standards.

This exempt, salary-position offers hybrid work with on-site days after training. Experience with GLP and bioanalytical methods (ELISA/MSD) is required, along with strong communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. in Biology or related field; 5 years CRO experience or advanced degree with 2+ years CRO experience.
• Knowledge of GLP regulations and regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the client’s primary contact and oversee study conduct.
• Ensure deliverables are met on-time, within scope, and within quality standards.
• Provide technical guidance to scientific staff and interpret data.
• Forecast revenue and contribute to SOP development.

Skills

Biology degree

CRO experience

GLP knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

B.S./B.A. in Biology

Advanced biology degree

Tools

Watson LIMS

Job description

Associate Project Manager or Project Manager

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: ASSOC002443

• Posted : October 28, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA

Description

Smithers PDS LLC (Pharmaceutical Development Services) brings new drugs to market by providing pre-clinical and clinical services for all phases of drug development. PDS works with customers to develop new methods, validate existing methods, as well as performing the assays necessary to analyze samples from patients on more than 100 clinical trials currently in different phases of the FDA regulated drug approval process. Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample analysis at our GLP, GCP, and CLIA compliant laboratories.

Smithers PDS is seeking an Associate Project Manager or Project Manager who will be responsible for being the client's primary point of contact and for the overall conduct of the study. The role ensures deliverables are met on-time, within scope, and within established quality standards.

This position is classified as exempt and paid on a salary basis. Exempt employees typically work 40 hours or more to adequately perform their responsibilities. Extended work hours may be necessary to support the business in meeting client deliverable commitments. Position is generally eligible for a hybrid work schedule with at least three days on-site once all training requirements have been adequately met and proficient performance is consistently demonstrated.

The annualized salary range for an Associate Project Manager or Project Manager position is $87,500 -112,500 or $105,000 - $130,000, respectively. Experience and qualifications will determine salary and job level. Smithers PDS offers a comprehensive health insurance package including a choice of 3 medical plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401K retirement plan and PTO.

• Responsible for client interaction and the conduct of studies.
• Serve as Principal Investigator for GLP studies
• Responsible for data interpretation, analysis, and reporting of results for validation and sample analysis of biopharmaceutical products.
• Provide technical advice to scientific staff.
• Experience and knowledge of Ligand-binding assays (ELISA / MSD) applicable to Pharmacokinetic, Biomarker and Immunogenicity studies is required.
• Must understand contract immunoanalytical business objectives and is expected to be familiar with regulatory, and GLP requirements, FDA guidelines and industry standards for bioanalytical method validation.
• Knowledge of Watson LIMS a plus.
• Additional responsibilities include forecast of revenue, preparing and revising SOPs.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. / B.A. degree in Biology or related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the CRO industry; or, advanced degree in Biology or related field and at least 2 years of relevant experience in the CRO industry.
• Knowledge of GLP regulations and regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong leadership and excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient in the use of basic computer applications such as MS Word and Excel.

Additional Position Requirements

• Ability to multi-task and produce quality analysis while working under the pressure of strict deadlines.
• Proficient in time management and resource planning.
• Ability to initiate and implement self-development efforts.
• Ability to effectively interact with clients and regulatory personnel.
• Ability to make decisions and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to self-direct work priorities.

Smither PDS does not accept unsolicited third-party candidate introductions, referrals or resumes. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, Smithers PDS reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.