Program Manager (Lab Animal Science)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Insourcing Solutions team, located in Bethesda, MD.

How will you have an impact?

This is the moment to use your talents and imagine those talents contributing to improving global health and peoples’ lives. In the PM role, you will utilize your management experience and talents as a leader to provide mentorship and operational direction to a diverse team dedicated to the NIH mission, specifically to infectious disease research at a large multi-species and multi-position program. You will grow and strengthen an existing animal facilities team through mentorship, open communication and QA utilizing industry standards for the care and use of animals in infectious disease research at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease. You will mentor and grow Deputy Mangers to form a cohesive management team that can offer support and leadership to Facility Managers and future leaders in the field. 

What you will do!

• Use existing SOPs and quality assurance standards to oversee the operations of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) contract, consisting of eight facilities in Maryland.
• Ensure that all contract deliverables are met; manage by walking around; assist Contract sections to prepare budgets for fiscal year allocations; assist in generating LOEs and Response Letters for the Government’s Request for Contract Modifications; interact with client representatives to resolve various inquiries; as well as participate in the development of projections for equipment, supplies, and personnel needed to effectively operate the research facilities.
• Assist facility managers and staff to establish specifications for recommendations for the selection and purchase of animal care related equipment; as well as review site specific standard operating procedures for the care of laboratory animals, and the operation of the facility.
• Assist in the review and analysis of operational needs and make recommendations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of animal care services.
• Act as corporate liaison to designated contract business clients to assess contract performance; supervise direct reports; conduct or participate in interviews of applicants for key personnel open positions; be actively involved in personnel investigations and outcomes; as well as coordinate personnel scheduling.
• Serve as temporary backfill for Deputy Program Managers during vacancies, and you will train and mentor members of the management team. There will be a need to conduct periodic meetings with subordinate staff to keep them informed of current and future projects, policies, and procedures; as well as assist in assessing training needs, including developing and delivering course content and materials for training, presenting training for staff and investigators, as well as continuing education of the animal care staff to achieve AALAS certification. In addition, investigate personnel problems and develop performance improvement plans, provide counseling to employees, and write employee performance evaluations.
• Periodically, you may be asked to review site quality assurance procedures for various functions within the facility as deemed necessary by the client.

Job Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

• A dynamic, well-rounded and experienced team builder skilled in personnel management, problem solving with the proven ability to integrate into a large, decentralized animal program.
• A candidate that possesses either a BS degree in Animal Sciences or Biological Sciences; or an MS, Ph. D, or DVM degree. Must have 10 years of experience working in a large multi-level animal program, of which 6 are a supervisory capacity. Experience in specialty areas, such as rodent and rabbit facilities management, NHP (Non-Human Primate) facilities management, barrier management, high containment, hazard containment, and animal facility data management are required. Must be LATG (Laboratory Animal Technologist) certified; preference given to CMAR certification.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proficient in contract and personnel management. 
• Demonstrated success in collaboration with others and demonstrating independent thought.
• Must be skilled in the mentoring and developing supervisory staff.
• Working knowledge and understanding of laboratory animal facilities operations and contract services business issues and trends.
• Superior customer service orientation with strong follow-up skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated strong business judgement, critical thinking, problem solving and effective decision-making skills.
• Ability to quickly identify areas of improvement and implement solutions with an interdisciplinary approach. 
• Experience in developing and leading large teams, managing people and animal research facilities and building rapport to influence messaging, acceptance and understanding.
• Process driven with the ability to execute functional processes while using appropriate change management approaches.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30/8AM-4/4:30PM. Should be available for emergencies during weekends/holidays.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $150,000/yr. - $180,000/yr. annually.  Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Competencies