Associate Project Manager

CellCarta•Lake Forest, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Associate Project Manager (APM) at the CellCarta Lake Forest site, you will undergo a comprehensive training program to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully manage projects. This role involves working closely with experienced project managers, learning project management methodologies, and gradually taking on responsibilities to contribute to project success. CellCarta is in search of an Associate Project Manager based in Lake Forest, CA. As a member of our team, you will provide support for multiple projects. You will help the project managers ensure project objectives are met, completed on time, on budget, and in accordance with the signed protocols. You will provide appropriate updates to the client, sit in on client calls, and support client needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Strong interest in pursuing a career in project management.

Nice To Haves

1 to 3 years of project management is an asset.
1 to 3 years working in an CRO environment is an asset.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with practical skills in conditional formatting, applying formulas, and reformatting large datasets is preferred, but not required.
Experience with histopathology, anatomic pathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) is preferred, but not required.
Knowledge of genomics, FISH, ISH, immunofluorescence is a bonus.

Responsibilities

Partner with Senior PMs to plan, coordinate, and execute (pre-)clinical trials from award initiation to study closeout, including tracking schedules, budgets, and sample shipping or archiving.
Coordinate slide QC (selection/labeling), sample testing schedules, and system configurations (e.g., STARLIMS) to ensure compliant and timely laboratory workflow.
Support scope updates and change orders by liaising with client services and scientific writing teams as requirements evolve.
Deliver timely project updates to sponsor teams and oversee accurate reporting of results, data transfers, and final invoicing.
Collaborate with lab, QC, pathology, and image analysis leaders to align internal operations, clear technical questions, and meet project deadlines.
Maintain a customer-centric approach by delivering proactive updates, responding to sponsor inquiries within 1 business day, and representing the company professionally.
Prepare kickoff presentations, support client calls, and learn to independently lead sponsor meetings to gather requirements and share progress.
Reformat, transcribe, and quality-check study data to ensure strict compliance with Data Transfer Protocols (DTP/DTS) before executing secure transfers via FTP, portals, or email.
Maintain comprehensive project files, calendar tracking, SOP reviews, and meeting minutes to ensure full audit readiness and clear sponsor alignment.
Proactively identify project risks, log events/deviations, and track CAPA resolutions through to completion.