Associate Project Management Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

As an Associate Project Manager (APM) at the CellCarta Lake Forest site you will undergo a comprehensive training program to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully manage projects. This role involves working closely with experienced project managers, learning project management methodologies, and gradually taking on responsibilities to contribute to project success.

CellCarta is in search of an Associate Project Manager based in Lake Forest, CA. As a member of our team, you will provide support for multiple projects. You will help the project managers ensure project objectives are met, completed on time, on budget, and in accordance with the signed protocols. You will provide appropriate updates to the client, sit in on client calls, and support client needs.

• Study Execution & Lifecycle Management: Partner with Senior PMs to plan, coordinate, and execute (pre-)clinical trials from award initiation to study closeout, including tracking schedules, budgets, and sample shipping or archiving.
• Lab Operations & Quality Control: Coordinate slide QC (selection/labeling), sample testing schedules, and system configurations (e.g., STARLIMS) to ensure compliant and timely laboratory workflow.
• Scope & Change Management: Support scope updates and change orders by liaising with client services and scientific writing teams as requirements evolve.
• Client Communication & Reporting: Deliver timely project updates to sponsor teams and oversee accurate reporting of results, data transfers, and final invoicing.

• Cross‑Functional Workload Alignment: Collaborate with lab, QC, pathology, and image analysis leaders to align internal operations, clear technical questions, and meet project deadlines.
• Client Relationship & Expectations Management: Maintain a customer‑centric approach by delivering proactive updates, responding to sponsor inquiries within 1 business day, and representing the company professionally.
• Client Meetings & Onboarding: Prepare kickoff presentations, support client calls, and learn to independently lead sponsor meetings to gather requirements and share progress.

• Data Management & QC: Reformat, transcribe, and quality‑check study data to ensure strict compliance with Data Transfer Protocols (DTP/DTS) before executing secure transfers via FTP, portals, or email.
• Trial Documentation & Tracking: Maintain comprehensive project files, calendar tracking, SOP reviews, and meeting minutes to ensure full audit readiness and clear sponsor alignment.
• Issue Escalation & Quality Compliance: Proactively identify project risks, log events/deviations, and track CAPA resolutions through to completion.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

• Strong interest in pursuing a career in project management.
• 1 to 3 years of project management is an asset.
• 1 to 3 years working in an CRO environment is an asset.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with practical skills in conditional formatting, applying formulas, and reformatting large datasets is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with histopathology, anatomic pathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) is preferred, but not required. Knowledge of genomics, FISH, ISH, immunofluorescence is a bonus.

• Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, with flexibility.
• Hybrid flexibility to work from 1-2 days from home.

CellCarta is made up of dedicated professionals who are focused on achieving our mission of impacting the future of patient therapy. We make a difference in the lives of patients around the world!

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• Competitive wages ($65,000 to $81,100)
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a healthy match
• Vacation and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Program

CellCarta is a leading provider of specialized precision medicine laboratory services to the biopharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its integrated analytical platforms in immunology, histopathology, proteomics, and genomics, as well as related specimen collection and logistics services, CellCarta supports the entire drug development cycle, from discovery to late-stage clinical trials. The Company operates globally with facilities located in Canada, USA, Belgium, Australia, and China.

Joining CellCarta means working with dedicated professionals who are focused on achieving our mission of impacting the future of patient therapy. We make a difference in the lives of patients around the world!

Join us as we make an impact on patient therapy!

The information collected to review your application will be processed by the human resources services of CellCarta Biosciences Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “CellCarta”). The legal basis for this processing is the legitimate interest of CellCarta to evaluate the suitability of candidates for the roles available at CellCarta.

CellCarta will only process that information which is necessary to evaluate your application. This information includes identifying information such as your name, address, email address and phone number, as well as information about your education and professional experience, including previous positions and your CV. Such information is required for us to complete your applicant file, assess your suitability for the role and comply with applicable laws. CellCarta may obtain personal information from other sources, such as during reference, background, or employment checks, with your permission, and from third party sources such as recruitment and assessment sites or professional social media sites, in each case only if such information is relevant to reviewing your application. Your personal information will be retained only for so long as reasonably necessary and in accordance with applicable laws. This information will be processed confidentially and only accessed by those who have a need for the recruitment process. Please note that the information comprising your applicant file may be processed in a country that is not where you are located (for example, you might be in the European Economic Area or Québec, Canada, whereas your applicant file may be reviewed by CellCarta in the United States). If you are offered and accept employment with CellCarta Biosciences Inc. or one of its affiliates, the information collected will become part of your employment record. If you do not want us to retain your information, or want us to update it, please contact privacy@cellcarta.com.