Project Manager, Preclinical Research (Ophthalmology)

Pharmaron; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmaron is seeking a Project Manager for Preclinical Research (Ophthalmology) in a 100% on-site role in Carlsbad, CA. The position supports complex preclinical ophthalmology programs and acts as the liaison between clients, scientific teams, and operations.

The successful candidate will have a Master's in a life sciences field (Pharmacology, Ophthalmology, Neuroscience) or a related degree with 2+ years in preclinical CRO/biotech, including in vivo studies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in Biology, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, or related life sciences.
• Bachelor's degree with strong relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of Pharmaron's ocular testing workflows (preclinical safety, pharmacology, biocompatibility).
• Collaborate with scientific teams to align study design, timelines, and deliverables with client expectations.
• Support project execution from initiation through final reporting, ensuring scope, timeline, and budget adherence.
• Draft study proposals, scopes of work, and budgets with scientific leadership and Business Development teams.
• Ensure proposals align with departmental capabilities and regulatory standards.
• Support bid defense preparation and client-facing scientific discussions as needed.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned studies; provide regular updates and respond to client inquiries.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and external sponsors.
• Maintain high-quality documentation ensuring project traceability, compliance, and transparency.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Education

Master's degree in Life Sciences

Bachelor's degree accepted with experience

Job description

Position Details

Position: Project Manager, Preclinical Research (Ophthalmology)

Salary Range: $70k - $100k

Location: Carlsbad, CA (On-site)

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

What You'll Do

The Project Manager will support complex preclinical ophthalmology programs and serve as a key liaison between clients, scientific teams, and operational leadership.

We are also open to considering candidates at the Associate Project Manager level, depending on their experience, qualifications, and project management capabilities. The final title and level will be determined based on the selected candidate's background.

This role combines scientific understanding, regulatory awareness, and client-facing communication to ensure the successful execution of ocular and related therapeutic studies. The ideal candidate will support preclinical programs focused on ophthalmology, with exposure to CNS, oncology, or cell and gene therapy (CGT) applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of Pharmaron's ocular testing workflows, including preclinical safety, pharmacology, and biocompatibility assessments.


• Collaborate with scientific teams to align study design, timelines, and deliverables with client expectations.


• Support project execution from initiation through final reporting, ensuring adherence to scope, timeline, and budget.


• Draft detailed study proposals, scopes of work, and budgets in collaboration with scientific leadership and Business Development teams.


• Ensure proposals align with departmental capabilities and regulatory standards.


• Support bid defense preparation and client-facing scientific discussions as needed.


• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned studies, providing regular updates and responding to client inquiries.


• Facilitate effective communication between internal scientific teams and external sponsors.


• Maintain high-quality documentation ensuring project traceability, compliance, and transparency.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree preferred in Biology, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences discipline.


• Bachelor's degree with strong relevant experience will be considered.


• 2+ years of experience in a preclinical CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.


• Hands-on experience supporting in vivo animal research studies is required.


• Prior experience in ophthalmology, ocular research, neuroscience, or CGT programs strongly preferred.


• Demonstrated experience supporting study proposals, budgets, or client-facing scientific interactions is a plus.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 25,000 employees and operations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with significant employer contributions


• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous employer matching


• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Sick Leave & Company Holidays to support work-life balance


• Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (for eligible plans), plus Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts


• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental health resources, and wellness programs


• Family-friendly benefits, including fertility support and maternity resources


• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a leading global CRO/CDMO

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Statement

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron (Stock Code: 300759.SZ/3759.HK) is a premier R&D service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities, and established a broad spectrum of research, development and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics and CGT products. With over 19,000 employees, and operations in China, the U.S., and the U.K., Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan and China.

Pharmaron is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.