Head of Project Management

Recruitment/Posting Title
Project Manager
Staff & Executive - Project/Program Management/Planning
CINJ - Administration & Planni
RUTGERS CANCER INSTITUTE VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES: VISION: Through our science, our evidence-based actions, our openness, and our respect for those we serve, we will advance cancer-focused research worldwide and reduce the burden of cancer in our catchment area. By engaging with and empowering our exceptionally diverse populations, and addressing their questions and fears, we will engender hope for cancer patients and their families and play a critical role in strengthening the fabric of our communities by gaining and protecting their trust and providing access to the outstanding oncology care each person deserves. MISSION: Our mission is to accelerate scientific discovery focused on understanding cancer, innovating cancer treatment, and improving cancer prevention; to provide outstanding, novel, and compassionate patient care; to provide evidence-based and culturally informed education to physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, and the community; and to achieve cancer health equity in our state through outreach to and engagement of our extraordinarily diverse communities. Curiosity and Discovery : encouraging an environment of continuous inquiry, creativity, and innovation to generate new knowledge
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Project Manager within Administration and Planning at the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
The Project Manager provides independent program/project management and interdisciplinary coordination for the Associate Director of Clinical Research, in support of the research program, including clinical trials, laboratory research, and biospecimen activities.
The Project Manager translates research priorities into project plans, milestones, resource requirements, performance measures, and operating processes. This role also coordinates investigator-initiated studies, laboratory and translational research projects, grant-related activities, and biospecimen workflows with investigators, clinical research teams, laboratory staff, biorepository personnel, OHRS, and other institutional partners. In addition, this role monitors research progress, identifies operational barriers, and provides analyses and recommendations to Associate Director.
Independently leads the planning and implementation of the research program, including clinical trials, laboratory research, and biospecimen activities. Manages program priorities, timelines, resources, and deliverables in alignment with Cancer Institute requirements.
Develops program charters, business requirements, implementation plans, milestones, resource plans, performance indicators, and accountability mechanisms for complex projects within the research program.
Evaluates clinical trials and research portfolios using trial activation, accrual, biospecimen availability, laboratory project milestones, and other operational data. Identifies trends, gaps, risks, and opportunities and presents actionable recommendations to the Associate Director.
Partners with investigators, physicians, laboratory staff, clinical research operations, OHRS, regulatory and administrative offices, and other stakeholders to advance research projects and resolve barriers. Develops and executes strategies to improve awareness of clinical trials, strengthen referral pathways, expand appropriate patient access, and support clinical trial enrollment in collaboration with clinical research teams.
Establishes and maintains dashboards and reporting frameworks for clinical trials, laboratory projects, and biospecimen activities using CRMS and other approved data sources. Ensures data integrity and converts complex information into clear analyses, visualizations, briefings, and recommendations for program decisions.
Provides programmatic support for Associate Director investigator-initiated clinical trials and laboratory and translational research concepts, including coordinating feasibility discussions; managing timelines and dependencies; and supporting letters of intent, grant submissions, requests for applications, study drug requests, slide decks, and literature reviews.
Develops agendas, tracks decisions and action items, and supports collaboration among clinical, laboratory, and research teams.
Leads operational improvement initiatives within the research program, including laboratory project coordination and biospecimen workflows. Coordinates collection, processing, storage, tracking, and transfer activities with the responsible clinical, laboratory, and biorepository teams in accordance with approved protocols and institutional requirements. Assesses workflows, manages change, and evaluates outcomes.
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
Life insurance coverage
Full Time
Daily Work Shift
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Position Pension Eligibility
Bachelor's degree in health administration, public health, research administration, biological sciences, business administration, or a relevant field required.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience with increasing responsibility in scientific/healthcare office/laboratory setting, (or a Master's degree plus three (3) years).
Experience in oncology clinical research, an NCI-designated cancer center, ETCTN or CTEP trials, investigator-initiated trials, trial portfolio analysis, laboratory research coordination, biospecimen management, research communications, and senior-level stakeholder engagement.
Ability to work effectively with faculty and staff in a collaborative research setting.
Must be detail-oriented and possess superior organizational skills with the ability to manage numerous projects and people simultaneously.
Must be able to perform information acquisition tasks, using internet search engines, PubMed, and other databases.
Must be adaptable, flexible, and willing/able to adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities with confidence and professionalism.
Must be computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Equipment Utilized
Office environment. Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Downtown New Brunswick
Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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