At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting biologics testing projects and collaborate with diverse teams to deliver impactful results.
- Company: Join Charles River, a global leader in drug development and testing solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with a commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global health while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a background in biological sciences required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Location: Remote support for our US operations
Work Schedule: This role may be based in Germany, Ireland, or the UK and requires primary availability aligned with U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) hours. The position supports both APAC-based clients and U.S. sites, so flexibility is essential. Candidates must be comfortable accommodating occasional evening or after-hours client calls as business needs require.
Overview: We are seeking an experienced, client‑facing Project Manager to support biologics testing programs within our GMP Contract Testing Organization. This role reports to the Manager/Senior Manager of Project Management (U.S.-based) and partners closely with laboratory, quality, logistics, sales, and client services teams to ensure timely, compliant delivery of GMP testing projects.
The Project Manager will manage our key client accounts and other client programs that require complex planning and in-depth analysis to ensure that projects meet client expectations and deadlines. Functions as the primary client contact, with guidance from senior scientific staff, for activities related to the planning and execution of client programs. Interacts with clients in order to understand their requirements to disseminate and partner with Business Development, Client Services, Operational Staff, and Quality Assurance Staff. Organizes, collects, prepares, and distributes information necessary to ensure operational milestones are met from the development of contracts to final reporting. Recommends and implements study management improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets, including submission of scope changes and contract revisions
- Lead client and internal project meetings; prepare agendas, minutes, and follow up on action items
- Develop and maintain project timelines using project scheduling tools (e.g. Smartsheet)
- Support accurate intake, log‑in, and tracking of client samples
- Coordinate shipping and logistics for samples sent to subcontract laboratories
- Manage and approve project costs and invoicing
- Ensure compliance with GMP, SOPs, biosafety practices, and relevant regulatory requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Bachelor’s degree in biological or physical sciences (or related field)
- 4+ years of project management experience in a laboratory or research environment
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, client‑facing role
- Proficiency with MS Office, Excel, MS Teams, Smartsheet, and project scheduling tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
- CRO/CMO/CTO experience
- Experience working under a regulated system (cGMP, GLP)
- Current PMP certification
About Biologics Testing Solutions: With more than 50 years of experience and proven regulatory expertise, the Charles River Biologics group can address challenging projects for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Offering a variety of services such as contamination and impurity testing, protein characterization, bioassays, viral clearance studies and stability and lot release programs, we support clients throughout the biologic development cycle, from the establishment and characterization of cell banks through preclinical and clinical studies to marketed products.
About Charles River: Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 80% of the drugs approved by the FDA in the last five years. At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.
Project Manager - Biologics (12-Months - Fixed Term Contract) employer: Charles River Laboratories
At Charles River, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With flexible remote opportunities supporting our global operations, employees benefit from meaningful career growth, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on health and well-being worldwide. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your skills and contributions while providing the resources and support needed for your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Biologics (12-Months - Fixed Term Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their projects and values, especially in biologics testing. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Project Manager. We suggest rehearsing common interview questions and preparing examples of your past successes in project management to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Biologics (12-Months - Fixed Term Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in biologics or laboratory settings, and showcase any relevant skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with Charles River's mission. Be sure to mention your client-facing experience and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since this role requires flexibility with hours, make sure to mention your willingness to accommodate evening or after-hours calls. This shows that you understand the demands of the position and are ready to meet them.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to the right team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biologics and GMP regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects Charles River is involved in, as well as their testing solutions. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to contribute.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this role requires working with US clients, be ready to discuss your availability for evening or after-hours calls. Highlight any previous experience managing time zones or flexible schedules, as it demonstrates your adaptability and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed project scope, timelines, and budgets. Use specific metrics to illustrate your achievements, like how you improved efficiency or met tight deadlines, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project management tools they use, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.