Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager – Medical \& Scientific Research Programs

Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid – Local Candidates Only)

Contract-to-Hire

$65/hr W2 during contract → converts up to $120,000 salary \+ benefits

Overview

A leading

Philadelphia-based university research organization

is seeking a

Senior Project Manager

to lead complex technology initiatives that support

medical, clinical, and scientific research programs

.

This role sits within the

central PMO supporting research and data initiatives

, where projects directly impact how researchers, clinicians, and administrators leverage technology to accelerate scientific discovery.

This is

not a traditional task-tracking PM role

. The ideal candidate has experience

serving as the primary or sole project manager on complex, high-risk, and high-visibility initiatives with executive sponsors

. The individual must be comfortable

facilitating strategic discussions with senior leadership

, helping define project direction when requirements are ambiguous, and guiding stakeholders toward alignment and decisions.

The environment is collaborative and mission-driven, supporting initiatives that advance

medical research, scientific discovery, and research data platforms

.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the

primary project manager for complex initiatives

supporting medical and scientific research programs.

• Lead projects that involve

research systems, data platforms, integrations, and scientific computing environments

.

• Facilitate

strategic discussions with executive sponsors, research leaders, and leadership

to help define project scope, goals, and success criteria when the problem or solution may not yet be fully defined.

• Guide stakeholders through

decision-making, prioritization, and alignment across multiple departments

.

• Develop and manage

project plans, roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies

.

• Lead cross-functional teams including

engineers, research technology teams, data specialists, and business stakeholders

.

• Identify and manage

project risks, dependencies, and operational impacts

, particularly for high-visibility initiatives.

• Provide

clear communication and executive-level reporting

on project status, progress, and outcomes.

• Drive initiatives forward by

removing roadblocks, clarifying direction, and maintaining stakeholder engagement

.

• Ensure projects align with

university research goals, regulatory requirements, and technology strategy

.

Required Qualifications

• 7\+ years of Project Management experience

, with at least several years serving as the

primary project manager on complex initiatives

.

• Proven experience leading

high-risk, high-visibility projects with executive sponsors

.

• Demonstrated ability to

facilitate business discussions with senior leaders and guide strategic decision-making

.

• Experience working in environments where

requirements evolve and project direction must be collaboratively defined

.

• Strong ability to

drive initiatives forward beyond task coordination and status tracking

.

• Experience managing

cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders

.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within

higher education, medical research, healthcare, or scientific organizations

.

• Familiarity with

research data platforms, research environments, or clinical/research systems

.

• Experience managing projects involving

data platforms, analytics environments, research systems

• PMP or other project management certification preferred.

Work Environment

• Hybrid role – candidates must be local to the Philadelphia area
• Collaboration with

research leaders, university IT teams, and executive stakeholders

• Mission-driven environment supporting

medical and scientific innovation

Compensation

• Contract:

$65/hr W2

• Conversion:

Up to

$120,000 salary \+ full benefits