Scientific Capability Manager I

MRIGlobal•Gaithersburg, MD

4d•$106,000 - $127,000

About The Position

MRIGlobal is seeking a Scientific Capability Manager I to lead a specialized scientific or technical team within our research organization. This role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and operational oversight to ensure successful project execution, staff development, and effective use of laboratory and technical resources. The Scientific Capability Manager I serves as both a technical leader and manager, providing direction to multidisciplinary teams while contributing directly to research programs as a Principal Investigator, task lead, or subject matter expert. This position works closely with program leadership, researchers, and operational partners to deliver high-quality research outcomes in support of customer and organizational objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline relevant to the assigned capability; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in a research, laboratory, engineering, or applied science environment with a bachelor's degree, or three years of relevant experience with an advanced degree.
Experience supervising or formally leading technical staff, including responsibility for work assignment, task oversight, performance evaluation, coaching, and team development.
Experience working in regulated environments requiring compliance with safety, quality, or contractual requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage or contribute to technically complex projects involving scope, schedule, quality, and resource constraints.
Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances, as applicable.
Ability to travel to support project and business needs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field.
Experience serving as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or subject matter expert on research or development programs.
Experience supporting proposal development, business capture, or strategic growth initiatives.
Experience in government-sponsored research, federal contracting, or laboratory environments.
Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of research and technical projects to achieve quality, schedule, and performance objectives.
Coordinate project activities with program leadership, technical staff, and operational partners.
Ensure technical deliverables meet customer, contractual, and organizational requirements.
Serve as a Principal Investigator, task lead, or subject matter expert on research and development programs.
Apply technical expertise to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges.
Lead, coach, and develop technical staff to build capability and support career growth.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
Promote safe, compliant, and effective laboratory and research operations.
Ensure adherence to applicable safety, quality, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance.
Support resource planning, budgeting, and management of laboratory assets.
Monitor utilization and operational needs to ensure effective deployment of personnel and equipment.
Support business development through technical input, solution development, and proposal preparation.
Assess technical feasibility, staffing requirements, and resource needs for new opportunities.