Project Manager - Senior Scientist

OVERVIEW

Merrick is seeking an experienced Project Manager with a background in virology or related field and experience in containment (BSL3) laboratory programs to administer projects, provide organizational leadership support, and to assist in general management for projects at our client site on Plum Island, NY. This position is located at our client site, not in a Merrick office. Residing within 45 minutes of the Orient Point, NY or Old Saybrook, CT ferry docks is required. Relocation will be considered for the ideal candidate.

Typical annual pay range for this position is $120,000.00 - $150,000.00. Pay offered may vary depending on job related knowledge, skills, and experience.

What you'll do:

As a Senior Scientist, the successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate life sciences laboratory skills and safety procedures including proper handling of chemicals and biologicals, use of aseptic technique.

• Perform viability assessments on biological materials, appropriate authentication/characterization procedures for biological materials.

• Prepare and/or propagate biological materials.

• Record data in appropriate format within digitized data management systems, to include translation of data in notebooks, batch records, or advanced databases.

• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, scientific equipment data interfaces (i.e., sequencing, PCR, and analytical equipment)

• Monitor laboratory equipment and report issues if equipment is not functioning within appropriate specifications.

• Demonstrate advanced computer skills, including data analysis, data visualization, and presentation.

As a Project Manager, the successful candidate will:

• Assist in management of multi-discipline facility design, laboratory operations, biosafety, and biosecurity related projects to be executed primarily out of client site, but also Merrick's other offices.

• Provide project management, procurement/acquisition support, and subject matter expertise to US Government clients.

• Assist in business development (BD) activities including presentations to potential clients, preparation of proposals and estimating work (i.e., seller-doer)

• Become familiar and comply with Merrick's project management systems, procedures and reporting protocols, and report regularly to Merrick senior management on project performance.

• Support the development of improved project management tools and applications for laboratory, biosafety, biosecurity consulting projects.

• Monitor scope, schedule, budget, deliverables and client expectations during pre-project, execution, and close-out phases of projects

• Communicate and coordinate with all project stakeholders as required for successful project execution.

• Maintain and develop positive client relationships.

• Be available to travel, including internationally for project and BD work.

• Assist in monitoring and directing the day-to-day work of project technical staff, consultants, contractors, and meet expectations for attendance and punctuality.

• Apply analytical skills to project approaches, standards, and solutions, throughout project lifecycle.

General Management skills and responsibilities may include:

• Flexibility and experience to receive and disposition a variety of technical and project management inquiries and issues daily.

• Supervision and coordination of tasks within a laboratory environment.

• Management of direct reports, including staff performance management and development.

• May be tasked to participate in a variety of professional and/or social societies or programs designed to elevate Merrick's professional and community standing.

• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and business ethics required.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated history of performing technical work in containment laboratory (BSL3).

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary projects.

• Strong interpersonal skills to interface successfully with clients and team members.

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a project management capacity.

• Minimum of 7-10 years related experience.

• Experience with US Government and project logistics are strongly preferred.

• Client projects for this position require United States Citizenship.

• PhD from accredited University of Higher Education Institution.

• Ability to draft and edit technical deliverables for both scientific and non-technical audiences.

• Strong working knowledge and capability to use Microsoft office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

• Good working knowledge of the biosafety and biosecurity field, emerging technologies, government/academic/industrial programs.

• Past performance working in or for U.S. federal agencies (i.e., DoD, DHS, HHS) strongly preferred.

• Past or current U.S. Federal Select Agent Program clearance preferred.

• Due to biosecurity requirements, employees may not own or work with cloven-hoofed animals, horses, rabbits, pigs, exotic pets, or birds.

• All employees are required to pass a background check based on criteria determined by the client and Merrick.

Physical Requirements:

• The job requires the ability to stand for extended periods in a containment laboratory.

• This environment requires entrance and exit showering.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The client for this position requires the ability to pass a physical exam based on PIADC requirements.

• The job requires daily travel to and from Orient Point, NY or Old Saybrook, CT and Plum Island aboard government-provided marine vessels.

• The job requires the ability to sit for extended periods at a computer workstation and the capability to lift to 50 lbs.

Additional information:

• Apply online only. No e-mail, hard copy or third-party resumes accepted.

• Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) opportunity, 401(k) options, and paid time off (PTO). This position is also eligible for annual performance and spot bonuses.

• We recognize the importance of developing top talent from within, our employees have access to a wide range of internal and external training as well as coaching and peer mentoring programs.

• An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

• Employment with Merrick is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.