Scientific Review Manager

Knowesis; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowesis seeks a Scientific Review Manager to oversee the technical execution of peer reviews and ensure scientific integrity across the BRAES vehicle. This senior role supervises a surge pool of Scientific Review Officers (SROs), enforces alignment with criteria, and manages quality assurance for all Summary Statements.

The position reports to CDMRP Program Managers and ensures high standards of scientific quality in the two-tier review process, acting as primary liaison and driving process

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant biomedical, clinical, or scientific discipline.
• 8+ years' experience managing complex scientific peer review panels.
• Proven supervisory experience leading large teams of scientific/technical professionals.
• Deep understanding of federal scientific review processes, COI management, and scientific quality control.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a CAC and pass required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the scientific peer review process for assigned research programs and areas, planning the scientific review workload.
• Supervise, direct, and oversee Scientific Review Officers (SROs) in the recruitment of reviewers, panel configuration, and the execution of peer review panels.
• Oversee the quality assurance of all Summary Statements, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to scientific guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison and point of contact for CDMRP Program Managers regarding scientific review operations.
• Actively participate in IPT meetings to assist with milestone planning and provide scientific and technical peer review advice for business process improvements.
• Monitor reviewer performance, manage reviewer scoring in the database, and execute formal reviewer blocks when necessary due to poor performance or unprofessional conduct.
• Provide leadership in addressing Conflict of Interest (COI) management and enforcing strict anonymity and confidentiality protocols.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Project management

Quality assurance

COI management

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Master’s degree or higher

PhD preferred

PhD or MD in biomedical science

Job description

Position: Scientific Review Manager

Location: Fort Detrick, MD / Remote (Hybrid)

Work Environment: Hybrid

Clearance Required: Public Trust

Status: Contingent

Anticipated Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000

Knowesis is seeking a Scientific Review Manager to oversee the technical execution of peer reviews and ensure the scientific integrity of panels across the BRAES vehicle. This senior role supervises a surge pool of Scientific Review Officers (SROs), enforces alignment with criteria, and manages quality assurance for all Summary Statements. The Scientific Review Manager serves as a primary liaison to CDMRP Program Managers and ensures the highest standards of scientific quality in the two-tier review process.

The Job Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage all aspects of the scientific peer review process for assigned research programs and areas, planning the scientific review workload.
• Supervise, direct, and oversee Scientific Review Officers (SROs) in the recruitment of reviewers, panel configuration, and the execution of peer review panels.
• Oversee the quality assurance of all Summary Statements, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to scientific guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison and point of contact for CDMRP Program Managers regarding scientific review operations.
• Actively participate in Integrated Program Team (IPT) meetings to assist with milestone planning and provide scientific and technical peer review advice for business process improvements.
• Monitor reviewer performance, manage reviewer scoring in the database, and execute formal reviewer blocks when necessary due to poor performance or unprofessional conduct.
• Provide leadership in addressing Conflict of Interest (COI) management and enforcing strict anonymity and confidentiality protocols.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant biomedical, clinical, or scientific discipline (PhD preferred).
• Extensive experience (8+ years) managing complex scientific peer review panels, grants management, or biomedical research evaluation.
• Proven supervisory experience leading large teams of scientific or technical professionals (e.g., SROs).
• Deep understanding of federal scientific review processes, COI management, and scientific quality control.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC) and pass required background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or MD in a biomedical science field.
• Direct experience with the CDMRP two-tier review process or NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR).
• Experience managing "just-in-time" recruitment of scientific experts.

Benefits:

• Health (PPO & HDHP) Insurance, Dental, Vision, STD & LTD, Basic Life Insurance, 401k Company Match, & Voluntary Products.

Knowesis is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and qualifications. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other applicable federal laws. Our company values all applicants and employees and fosters a work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.