Scientific Project Manager, Translational Initiatives

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Ginty Laboratory seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Scientific Project Manager to lead and scale all translational initiatives within the lab. This role sits at the intersection of neuroscience innovation, industry partnership, and venture development. The successful candidate will serve as both strategic program architect and scientific driver—advancing discoveries toward commercialization, partnership, and real-world impact.

This is a high-visibility leadership role for a scientifically rigorous professional with demonstrated expertise in business development, alliance management, and translational program execution.

Strategic Impact & Leadership Responsibilities Translational Strategy & Venture Building:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive translational roadmap to advance preclinical discoveries toward commercialization.
• Identify and cultivate industry sponsorships, strategic research alliances, and venture-building opportunities.
• Drive asset positioning, market assessment, and partnership strategy to accelerate technology transfer.
• Build and manage relationships with biotech, pharma, investors, and translational accelerators.
• Advance programs toward licensing, startup formation, or industry-sponsored development pathways.

Business Development & Partnership Management:

• Serve as primary liaison for corporate collaborations and CRO partnerships.
• Lead negotiation support for sponsored research agreements and strategic alliances.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure milestone execution and data quality.
• Prepare high-impact materials including partnership proposals, investor decks, white papers, and progress reports.

Program & Project Management:

• Oversee end-to-end management of translational programs, ensuring alignment across scientific, regulatory, and commercial objectives.
• Establish milestones, timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Track program progress and ensure execution excellence with minimal oversight.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain forward momentum.

Scientific Leadership:

• Design and delegate laboratory experiments supporting translational objectives.
• Utilize advanced methodologies including immunohistochemistry, mouse behavioral analysis, and related neurobiological techniques in experimental design.
• Integrate experimental findings into commercially relevant narratives and development strategies.

Working Conditions:

• Active laboratory setting requiring handling of animals and hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements:

• May require lifting or transporting laboratory equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in neuroscience or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience spanning academic, biotech, pharma, or translational research environments.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated success in business development, industry engagement, and partnership cultivation.
• Proven track record securing translational funding (federal and non-federal).
• Experience coordinating CROs and managing complex, milestone-driven programs.
• Strong understanding of commercialization pathways, IP strategy, and venture formation.
• Deep expertise in experimental design and laboratory execution.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and investor-facing materials.
• Proficiency in scientific, statistical, and project management software platforms.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 1-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: Please note this is a part-time,20 hours (0.571 FTE) per week position
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.