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Scientific Program Manager

Rockville, MD

(ID: 2025-0639)


Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

Axle is seeking a Scientific Program Manager to join our Program Coordination Team to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to advance standardized organoid model development.  The Scientific Program Manager will oversee key program goals to improve the rate of successful organoid model development, ensure seamless collaboration with internal and external groups, work closely with the Organoid Development Lab, continuously improve operations supporting the organoid lifecycle, work to meet and then exceed metrics for program performance.

 

Benefits We Offer:

  • 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • 401K match up to 5%
  • Educational Benefits for Career Growth
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Flexible Spending Accounts:
    • Healthcare (FSA)
    • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
    • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
    • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

 

Overview:

The core function of this role is to help the laboratory establish, optimize, and continuously improve logistics — spanning biospecimen acquisition, processing, storage, data management, and resource sharing — while also developing and maintaining the overall program plan. This position will serve as a central hub between scientific teams, external collaborators, administrative staff, to ensure efficient logistics, program-level coordination, regulatory compliance, and high-impact outcomes. The Scientific Program Manager will provide scientific, operational, and logistical leadership across complex, multi-institutional projects. Responsibilities include:

 

Responsibilities:

  • Program & Project Management
    • Develop and maintain the overall program plan, ensuring alignment across all projects, milestones, and deliverables.
    • Create and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and logistical workflows.
    • Apply project management best practices to track progress, manage risks, and drive resolution across a matrixed team of researchers, clinicians, and collaborators.
    • Support protocol standardization, logistics optimization, and quality control implementation across programs.
  • Biospecimen Lifecycle & Logistics
    • Lead the end-to-end logistics of the biospecimen lifecycle, including compliant acquisition, processing, storage, distribution, and documentation of high-quality samples.
    • Establish and continuously improve laboratory logistics systems to ensure standardization, efficiency, and reproducibility.
    • Coordinate with clinical partners and biorepositories to ensure traceability, ethical compliance, and regulatory alignment (IRB approvals, consent, data sharing agreements).
  • Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Act as a liaison between scientific teams, external collaborators, and federal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
    • Facilitate cross-collaboration with the Organoid Development Lab to align goals, share resources, and support harmonized workflows.
    • Organize scientific meetings, workshops, and outreach events to promote collaboration and program visibility.
  • Reporting & Compliance
    • Prepare progress reports, presentations, and documentation to meet NIH requirements.
    • Contribute to grant submissions, project deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
    • Support the implementation of data management best practices, including data standardization, sharing, and compliance with FAIR principles.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, stem cell biology, pharmacology, or a related biomedical field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in scientific project or program management within academia, government, or industry.
  • Strong foundation in organoid technologies, 3D cell culture, or human disease modeling.
  • Demonstrated expertise in biospecimen lifecycle management and laboratory logistics.
  • Experience managing interdisciplinary research initiatives or multi-institutional collaborations.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain overall program plans, track milestones, coordinate logistics, and support operational efficiency.
  • Working knowledge of biobanking practices, ethical compliance, and regulatory frameworks for human tissue acquisition.
  • Effective communication skills with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Familiarity with regulatory processes (IRB, MTAs, data sharing agreements).
  • Experience contributing to grant proposals, reports, or federally required documentation.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in federally funded research programs (e.g., NIH consortia such as RMIP, HuBMAP, BRAIN, NCATS).
  • Background in biospecimen lifecycle coordination, clinical partnerships, or biorepository oversight.
  • Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Gantt charts, Asana, Smartsheet).
  • Formal project management certification (PMP, CAPM, or equivalent).
  • Experience in data standardization, data sharing workflows, or FAIR principles in biomedical research.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, balance competing priorities, and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting.

 

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

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Salary Range

$150,000 - $170,000 USD

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