Scientific Capability Manager I

MRI Global•Gaithersburg, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

MRIGlobal is seeking a Scientific Capability Manager to lead the Sample Analysis Program within the Integrated Health, Surveillance, and Diagnostics group in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role provides leadership for technical staff, laboratory operations, instrumentation, and program execution while serving as the scientific subject matter expert for Sample Analysis activities. The Capability Manager is responsible for ensuring high-quality technical deliverables, maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment, supporting employee development, and coordinating resources to meet the program's 24/7/365 operational requirements. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Advanced degree in a scientific or technical discipline and at least three years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical discipline and at least seven years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience supervising or leading technical staff, including work assignment, performance management, coaching, and employee development.
Demonstrated technical expertise in sample analysis, laboratory operations, or a related scientific discipline.
Experience working in a regulated laboratory, research, government, or quality-managed environment, including familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or similar frameworks.
Demonstrated success managing complex technical projects involving scope, schedule, resources, and quality requirements.
Experience supporting staffing and operational requirements in a 24/7/365 environment.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or subject matter expert in a laboratory or research environment.
Experience supporting proposal development, business development, or customer-facing technical activities.
Active government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead the personnel, equipment, laboratory resources, and day-to-day operations of the Sample Analysis Program, including planning and coordinating staffing to support 24/7/365 operational requirements.
Assign work, provide coaching and performance feedback, and support the development and engagement of technical staff.
Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for Sample Analysis operations and ensure the quality of deliverables.
Maintain a safe, secure, and compliant laboratory environment and ensure adherence to quality and operational requirements.
Support project execution by coordinating staffing, resource allocation, budgets, equipment readiness, and operational priorities.
Collaborate with Program Managers, Principal Investigators, and Business Unit leadership to evaluate project requirements and technical feasibility.
Support business development and proposal efforts through technical, schedule, staffing, and budget input.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and maintain required technical and leadership training.
Evaluate employee performance and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and employee development activities.
Identify and support training and professional development opportunities.
Foster a collaborative, engaged, and high-performing team culture.