Sr. Project Manager, Genetics

The Data, AI & Genome Sciences (DAGS) group within Merck Research Labs leverages genomics data to support drug discovery and development across therapeutic areas. We are seeking an experienced Genomics Project Manager to support a wide range of preclinical sequencing experiments and data processing initiatives. This role will focus on coordinating Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) outsourcing, maintaining project tracking systems, ensuring seamless data workflows, and driving process improvements. The Project Manager will partner with vendors, IT Operations, Data Analysts, and scientific teams to ensure that requirements are met, issues are resolved efficiently, and high-quality data is delivered to enable scientific discovery. This is a remote, 12-month assignment with the possibility of extension, with a strong preference for candidates based on the U.S. East Coast due to working in EST hours.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate NGS outsourcing activities, including sample management, assay requirements, metadata harmonization, and data transfers
• Maintain and update tracking dashboards for clear visibility into project status and data accessibility
• Partner with Data IT and Data Analysts to monitor and guide genomic data through pipelines and workflows to enable downstream analysis
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate issue resolution and maintain project momentum
• Track key project information, timelines, and deliverables; develop dashboards to communicate progress to stakeholders
• Lead stakeholder review meetings to assess work in progress and plan for upcoming needs
• Contribute to process improvement by developing templates, scripts, and workflows that streamline and automate operations
• Collaborate with finance teams to support outsourcing activities, including generating purchase orders and tracking invoices

Education

• BA/BS in a scientific or technological field required

Experience

• For BA/BS: 6+ years of scientific job experience
• For MS/PhD: 4+ years of scientific job experience
• Proven project management experience within a scientific environment
• Hands-on experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Strong data management skills and familiarity with genomic workflows
• Advanced Excel proficiency required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to thrive in a collaborative and matrixed environment
• Ability to re-prioritize work in a fast-paced, changing environment

Preferred Skills

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD)
• Experience in drug discovery
• Project Management certification (PMP) and/or formal PM training
• Coding experience, especially Python, for data reconciliation, automated checks, and dashboard building
• Experience with Data Governance and managing restricted data

Additional Information

• Assignment: 12-month contract with potential for extension
• Location: Remote; East Coast candidates strongly preferred due to EST working hours
• Reporting: Reports to Director of Project Management, based in Cambridge, MA