Project Manager (Lab Operations)

Nextonic Solutions LLC; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm in Bethesda is seeking a detail-oriented Project Manager to support the Vaccine Production Program. Responsibilities include preparing biological buffers, managing inventory for vaccine candidates, and compliance with laboratory policies. Qualified candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field and have solid experience in laboratory operations. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to vital vaccine research in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a research laboratory setting (not medical or hospital lab).
• Experience working in a biological safety cabinet.
• Current training in USDOT and IATA for biological shipping.

Responsibilities

• Prepare biological buffers and bulk drug candidate products.
• Aid in processing laboratory requests for commercially available goods.
• Maintain consumable inventory stock for VPP processes.

Skills

Strong analytical capabilities

Ability to work as a team member

Experience in Laboratory Information Systems

Knowledge of scientific/biotech laboratory documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

SmartSheet

Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs)

Job description

Bethesda, United States | Posted on 01/09/2026

Nextonic Solutions is looking to add a driven, flexible, organized, and meticulous Project Manager to our dynamic team.

This individual shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Production Program (VPP), Vaccine Research Center (VRC).

Requirements

• Prepare VPP biological buffers and bulk drug candidate products for laboratory inventory in support of development and production of government vaccine and biotherapeutic investigational products, including, but not limited to:
  • Maintain communication with the VPP process groups to ensure the process groups have the buffers which are needed for processing ahead of time.
  • Obtain purified bulk vaccine candidates/biotherapeutics or bioreagents from the VPP downstream group.
  • Verify all label information on the bulk from downstream is correct.
  • With guidance, determine the aliquoting plan for each lot of bulk received per direction of the scientific operations manager for VPP.
  • Generate the correct number of labels per container size for each lot.
  • Perform the aseptic aliquoting for each lot of bulk in a biological safety cabinet.
  • Determine the storage location for each aliquoted lot (-80C, -30C, or 4C) as specified by either the scientific operations manager or the project manager for the VPP.
  • Prepare products for shipment to outside collaborators, following all NIH/IATA/DOT regulations.
• Develop, implement, and follow departmental policies related to primary duties and other aspects of VPP Scientific Operations as needed.
• Maintain consumable inventory stock for VPP processes.
• Aid in the processing of laboratory requests for commercially available goods (CAG) from VPP stockroom or equivalent.
• Aid in SDS database under the direction of the VPP SOM or designee.
• Perform weekly verification of CAG held by VPP Scientific Operations and notify the VPP SOM or designee.
• Aid in response to departmental requests for instrument service, under the direction of the VPP SOM or designee.
• Follow established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.
• Aid SME in QA responsibilities including but not limited to laboratory notebook issuance/retention, review, and audits.
• Serve as a backup emergency responder for all VPP REES (alarm system) monitored equipment.
• Operate dolly/ pallet jack in loading and unloading supplies and equipment.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by either the Scientific Operations Manager, the VPP Materials and Documentation Control Manager, or the Senior Scientific Associate for Materials, including but not limited to performance of property checks, maintenance of service contracts on lab equipment, monitoring commercially available goods, biological/chemical waste removal, equipment moving, package delivery and various inventory levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field with experience in a research laboratory setting (not medical or hospital lab).
• Experience in Laboratory information Systems.
• Strong knowledge of scientific/biotechnology laboratory documentation requirements (GDP).
• Strong analytical capabilities to prepare inventory analytics and other metrics.
• Must have the ability to work as a team member.
• Experience in working with Aseptic and biological safety cabinet (BSC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a biological safety cabinet and a laminar flow hood.
• Demonstrated experience/training in sterile technique for handling biological products.
• Hands-on experience with product candidate inventory management systems.
• Current up to date training in USDOT and IATA training for biological shipping.
• Experience with SmartSheet, (LIMS), and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Current training in RCRA, DOT and Hazcom (GHS).