WORKING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR: PROJECT ANALYST ROLE
- Reported to Project Manager and worked on:
- 3 Clinical studies (phase II-IV)
- Submit a biologics license application for FDA approval
- Worked with government agencies and CROs complete project objectives
- Coordinated and led project team meetings:
- Integrating discussions and clarify what the next steps are to reach the goal
- Learned how to:
- Create and manage project timelines
- Manage contracts and do competitive proposal evaluations
- Manage project financials (budgets, forecasts)
- Significant exposure to working with FDA
- http://globalbiodefense.com/2014/11/10/emergent-post-exposure-indication-anthrax-vaccine/
- http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140416005624/en/Emergent-BioSolutions-Successfully-Completes-Pivotal-Clinical-Study#.VXt1hvlViko
WORKING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR: COMPARISON TO THE BENCH
Similarities to laboratory environment
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Managing shared resources
- Communication with many people on complex matters
- Depending on role, data analysis
- Good organizational skills needed
- Project-oriented
Differences from laboratory environment
- Exposure to broader expertise
- Focused on specific goals
- More meetings, often by phone
- Interpersonal interactions with more people
- Faster pace
- Deadlines set by senior management
- Reporting and reporting structure
WORKING IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR: TRANSITION
- Scientific Project Manager in Department of Research Partnerships at FNIH – Metabolic Disorders
- Very similar skillset to private sector project manager
Experience/Education
- Degree in biomedical science or a related discipline
- Contracts
- Project budgets and milestones
- Preparing written reports and meeting summaries
- Relationship management across diverse scientific and administrative partners
Skills
- Familiarity with medical research environment, and with data management and aggregation.
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Working under tight deadlines
- Multitasking across therapeutic areas
- Quick learning
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal and writing skills
- Tact and initiative when working with others
- Diplomacy and focus
- Can make difficult decisions independently to meet deadlines
- Communication of complex business and scientific issues succinctly and effectively