Project Manager - Early Phase

Job Description

• This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Project Manager - Early Phase in the United States. This role plays a critical part in leading early-phase clinical trial programs, ensuring the successful delivery of studies from start-up through close-out within highly regulated environments. You will act as the central liaison between sponsor and internal teams, driving clear communication, alignment, and execution across all project phases. The position requires strong clinical research knowledge combined with project management expertise to ensure studies are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with ICH-GCP and applicable regulatory standards. You will oversee operational planning, risk management, and financial tracking while supporting cross-functional teams in a global, fast-paced setting. This is a highly visible role where your leadership directly impacts study quality, efficiency, and sponsor satisfaction. It is well suited for a proactive professional who thrives in complex clinical research environments and enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on execution.
• Accountabilities: Serve as the primary sponsor liaison, managing communication, expectations, and escalation points across all project phases. Lead pre-award activities including bid defense preparation, strategy development, and project handover coordination. Oversee project planning and start-up activities, including study design alignment, site selection strategy, and contract/budget review. Coordinate cross-functional project teams and ensure proper setup of systems, governance structures, and operational workflows. Drive execution of clinical trial activities, ensuring delivery within scope, timeline, budget, and regulatory compliance standards. Monitor project performance metrics including recruitment, retention, timelines, and data quality using CTMS and other tools. Manage financial aspects of studies including budgets, milestone payments, revenue recognition, and invoicing processes. Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while developing contingency plans and maintaining proactive client communication. Lead study close-out activities, including documentation archiving and end-of-study lessons learned sessions. Support internal process improvement, SOP development, and guidance for junior project team members. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field or equivalent relevant experience (advanced degree preferred). 2+ years of project management experience in clinical research (or 3–5 years in related clinical or functional leadership roles). Strong knowledge of clinical trial processes, including early-phase study execution and operational oversight. Solid understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and pharmaceutical/clinical research regulatory frameworks. Proven ability to lead cross-functional and geographically distributed teams in a matrix environment. Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including sponsor-facing experience. Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail. Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and project financial tracking. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and familiarity with clinical systems such as CTMS. PMP certification, advanced degree, or scientific/medical background is considered a strong advantage. Benefits: Competitive base salary ranging from approximately $125,000 to $138,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Eligibility for annual performance-based bonus and salary review programs. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (401k). Paid time off and additional leave benefits supporting work-life balance. Life insurance and additional employee protection programs. Opportunities for career advancement within global clinical research operations. Exposure to early-phase clinical development programs with high scientific and operational impact.
• How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best! Why Apply Through Jobgether? Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time. #LI-CL1
• We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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