Associate Project Leader

Emmes•Rockville, WA

About The Position

Be Part of One Team, One Purpose. At Emmes Group, we’re shaping the future of clinical research— where human intelligence meets cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful advancements in healthcare. With over 47 years of scientific excellence, we’ve led groundbreaking research in cell and gene therapy, vaccines, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. Through our two business units— Emmes, a full-service CRO, and Veridix AI, our technology, data, and analytical solutions —we are modernizing clinical trials and accelerating the development of life-changing therapies. We believe that every clinical breakthrough starts with people —people who are passionate, purpose-driven, and ready to make an impact. At Emmes Group, we bring People, Science, and Technology together to collaborate with our customers and deliver global health impact. Our culture is built on integrity, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every challenge is met with perseverance and accountability. The Associate Project Leader (APL) is critical to the successful conduct of government-sponsored clinical research projects, serving as the matrix leader of the core project team. The APL is accountable for successful delivery of clients' statement of work activities within timeline and budget. The APL develops and maintains a positive relationship with clients and other external stakeholders, oversees deliverable quality, and works collaboratively across departments to accomplish project goals. The APL is typically part of a large coordinating center team overseeing several protocols or activities in the larger coordinating center project. The APL typically works under the direction of a more senior Leader, however the APL is responsible for the continuous monitoring, identification, escalation and mitigation of project risk for their assigned protocols/activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Scientific field, example psychology, public health, sociology, chemistry, pharmacology. Required or Master's Degree Scientific field, example psychology, public health, sociology, chemistry, pharmacology. Preferred or PhD Scientific field, example psychology, public health, sociology, chemistry, pharmacology. Preferred
4-6 years Bachelor's and 6 years of empirical knowledge of the key accountabilities/duties/responsibilities for the position with a typical tenure of at least 1 year project management experience in a research environment. Required
4-6 years Master's and 4 years of empirical knowledge of the key accountabilities/duties/responsibilities for the position with a typical tenure of at least 1 year project management experience in a research environment. Preferred
1-3 years PhD and 1 year of empirical knowledge of the key accountabilities/duties/responsibilities for the position with a typical tenure of at least 1 year project management experience in a research environment. Preferred
Project Delivery Track Record: Demonstratable track record of successfully delivering complex/high-priority clinical trials or clinical research projects within the agreed time, quality, and budget.
Experience in federally-funded research is preferred.
High Clinical Research Knowledge: Demonstrated working knowledge of the principles of clinical research management and operations.
High Problem-Solving: Demonstrated strong problem-solving and analytical skills, combined with sound business and ethical judgment.
High Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client, team, and scientific interactions.
High Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to work proactively and effectively, with creative problem-solving and collaboration skills. Highly motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to mentor and support project staff.
Project Management: Strong cross-functional project management and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

Therapeutic Expertise (Preferred): Broad understanding of a therapeutic area, clinical trial design, and/or process expertise to influence and execute project decisions.

Responsibilities

Accountable for day-to-day execution of government research projects through collaboration with assigned projects' Emmes' project PI/Coordinating Center leader(s) and staff from other departments, including but not limited to Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Clinical Data Systems, Program Management, IT, Web Development, Finance, Contracts, Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance.
Sets priorities for the project team, ensures quality processes are followed, and collaboratively establishes and maintains deliverable timelines.
May provide performance related feedback to department managers for project staff.
Serves as the client’s, investigators’ and other stakeholders’ primary point of contact for the project and/or assigned protocols.
Proactively addresses client’s needs for ongoing studies/activities and engages with clients regarding new opportunities.
Develops, reviews, and approves project plans, study documents, and processes/SOPs, as needed.
Utilizes broad understanding of therapeutic, clinical trial design, and/or process expertise to influence and execute project decisions considering client needs, budget, scope, and the current state of the research field.
With input from team members, defines solutions that meet client’s needs within project-defined scope.
Defines and approves approach or solutions to project requirements, risks and issues.
Communicates risks and contingencies to Emmes' project PI/Coordinating Center leaders, client, and/or internal Government Delivery oversight, as appropriate.
May contribute to developing, maintaining, and acquiring approval of budgets and statement of work documents and subsequent modifications prior to distribution to clients, as well as approvals for invoices and subagreements.
Liaises with Emmes' project PI/Coordinating Center leaders, corporate leaders and other Emmes departments to ensure staff resources are continuously informed, trained and efficiently utilized within the project team to successfully execute the project scope.
May provide input or participate in Corporate meetings (e.g., project reviews), central status reporting and information solicitations with Executive leaders, as applicable.
Uses key performance metrics to successfully execute the project scope.
Mentors project staff and supports staff development.
Models Emmes culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and perseverance across internal and external teams.
Aids in continuous corporate knowledge expansion by participating in relevant (internal and external) meetings/trainings to provide information learned and best practices to project teams, functional/service groups, and corporate entities as applicable.
Promotes and implements relevant corporate initiatives as directed.
Leads or contributes to the development of operational strategy, budget, and proposal content for new business opportunities, as assigned.
Represents Emmes at proposal, business development meetings, conferences, or other meetings, as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards