Research Manager

Purpose The Research Manager is responsible for the management of the research laboratory, planning, managing, and supporting of the research projects within the Product Research team. The Research Manager will coordinate activities, provide technical support and expertise, and ensure effective operation of the Research Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to research staff by supporting experimental design, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and the development and execution of project deliverables
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, to ensure research findings are integrated into product pipelines
• Ensure research activities are clearly defined to mitigate scope creep
• Review and approve research plans to ensure projects deliver on business, marketing, regulatory and product development requirements
• Develop and track performance metrics to measure research progress, productivity, and impact
• Analyze research progress, monitor risk, and identify opportunities for improvement to ensure timely completion of deliverables
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to optimize efficiency
• Review and approve research reports, white papers, or manuscripts written in-house or by contract laboratories and consultants
• Manage research agreements and collaborations with external research sites
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and regulatory compliance
• Review and approve new guidelines, procedures, and protocols for research activities and laboratory operations
• Maintain laboratory operations, including equipment calibration, inventory management, and vendor relationships, to support ongoing research needs
• Assist with the identification development of research test methods and approaches that support organizational and product development goals
• Support and mentor research staff to foster collaboration, innovation, and a positive work environment
• Conduct and schedule training of research staff in laboratory techniques, equipment use, safety practices, or other applicable activities in support of research projects
• Maintain working knowledge of advances in science, regulatory requirements, and industry trends
• Maintain a working knowledge of FDA 21 CFR 1271, FDA 21 CFR 820, AATB standards, ISO Standards, cGMP/CGTP, relevant regulations/standards, and internal organizational policies and standard operating procedures
• Manage direct reports
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to develop leadership in direct reports and department management
• Establish and monitor objective annual goals for direct reports
• Conduct performance reviews and establish performance improvement plans as needed
• Recruit, interview, and select personnel for hire
• Travel domestically up to 15% to attend offsite meetings, conferences, and support business initiatives
• Maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality for scheduled work hours and meetings. Ensure completion of tasks and responsibilities within defined timeframes
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours during weekdays or weekends with reasonable advance notice to support business/operational needs when necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

• Highest level of ethics and integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and complex scientific discussions
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and detail-oriented skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Strong understanding of the intersection between scientific research, product development, and business strategy
• Capable of working independently or part of a team
• Effective project management skills, from planning through execution and completion
• Ability to lead and motivate the right behaviors
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong technical writing
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and statistical software

Qualifications/Requirements

• Doctoral degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering) with 6 years of post-education research experience
• At least 1 year of experience in managing a research laboratory
• At least 4 years of experience in team leadership, direct supervision, project management and technical writing with contributions to peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions in academic, government or industry settings
• Master’s degree with a thesis and 8 years of post-education research experience in industry may be substituted to meet doctoral degree requirement
• Clearance of favorable background investigation required