Associate Project Manager, Preclinical Research (Ophthalmology)

Pharmaron • Carlsbad, CA

5d • $70,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Project Manager will support complex preclinical ophthalmology programs and serve as a key liaison between clients, scientific teams, and operational leadership.
This role combines scientific understanding, regulatory awareness, and client-facing communication to ensure the successful execution of ocular and related therapeutic studies. The ideal candidate will support preclinical programs focused on ophthalmology, with exposure to CNS, oncology, or cell and gene therapy (CGT) applications. Depending on experience, the position may be filled at the Associate or Project Manager level.

Requirements

• Master's degree preferred in Biology, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Bachelor's degree with strong relevant experience will be considered.
• 1+ years of experience in a preclinical CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting in vivo animal research studies is required.
• Prior experience in ophthalmology, ocular research, neuroscience, or CGT programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting study proposals, budgets, or client-facing scientific interactions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of Pharmaron's ocular testing workflows, including preclinical safety, pharmacology, and biocompatibility assessments.
• Collaborate with scientific teams to align study design, timelines, and deliverables with client expectations.
• Support project execution from initiation through final reporting, ensuring adherence to scope, timeline, and budget.
• Draft detailed study proposals, scopes of work, and budgets in collaboration with scientific leadership and Business Development teams.
• Ensure proposals align with departmental capabilities and regulatory standards.
• Support bid defense preparation and client-facing scientific discussions as needed.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned studies, providing regular updates and responding to client inquiries.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal scientific teams and external sponsors.
• Maintain high-quality documentation ensuring project traceability, compliance, and transparency.

Benefits

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level