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Life Science Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Project Manager

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Project Manager, ideally with a life science background, project management experience, and experience supporting customer-focused contract or program environments. Join ATCC and be ...

Project Manager

Manassas, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Project Manager, ideally with a life science background, project management experience, and experience supporting customer-focused contract or program environments. Join ATCC and be ...

Preferred industry background/experience- Pharmaceuticals, Information technology, life sciences ... PMP (Project Management Professional) * Six Sigma Green or Black Belt * CSV/CSA-specific training ...

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Showing results 1-20

Life Science Project Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$43.6K

$116.3K

$183.5K

How much do life science project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for life science project manager in Washington, DC is $116,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $139,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Life Science Project Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectLife Science Project ManagerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, PMP certification often preferredAdvanced degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant scientific field
Work EnvironmentProject teams, labs, corporate settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharma, healthcare companiesResearch institutions, universities, biotech firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for project management roles in life sciencesCompared for scientific research roles

The main difference is that a Life Science Project Manager oversees projects, timelines, and teams within life sciences companies, focusing on coordination and delivery. In contrast, a Research Scientist conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require relevant credentials, but the Project Manager emphasizes management skills, while the Research Scientist emphasizes scientific expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by life science project managers, and how can they be addressed?

Life Science Project Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, managing strict regulatory requirements, and adapting to evolving project scopes. Balancing timelines and budgets while ensuring compliance with industry standards can be demanding. Successful project managers address these challenges by fostering clear communication, implementing robust project management tools, and staying informed on regulatory changes. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and proactively identifying risks also contribute to smoother project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a life science project manager?

To thrive as a Life Science Project Manager, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, project management experience, and often a relevant degree or certification like PMP. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Asana), regulatory systems (GxP, FDA, EMA), and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate cross-functional teams and manage complex project timelines. These skills are critical to ensure projects are completed efficiently, within regulatory compliance, and deliver successful results in the fast-evolving life sciences industry.

What is a life science project manager?

Life Science Project Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing projects within the life sciences sector, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, or healthcare research. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Their role involves managing cross-functional teams, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and identifying potential risks to project timelines or goals. Life Science Project Managers play a crucial role in bringing scientific innovations to market efficiently and safely.
Infographic showing various Life Science Project Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,297 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Wildfire Science Project Coordinator

Science Systems & Applications

Lanham, MD โ€ข On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a Wildfire Science Project Coordinator to support the tracking and coordination of a diverse portfolio of funded science projects in support of NASA's Earth science mission.

This is an on-site position in Greenbelt, MD.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate timelines, milestones, and deliverables across 13 active wildfire science projects.
  • Track project progress, risks, and dependencies to keep initiatives on schedule.
  • Collaborate with scientists, principal investigators, and external partners to support project execution.
  • Prepare project schedules, status reports, meeting agendas, and action-item trackers.
  • Support reporting to NASA program managers and government stakeholders.
  • Coordinate project meetings, technical reviews, and stakeholder communications.
  • Monitor project performance against milestones and reporting requirements.
  • Maintain organized project documentation and ensure compliance with program standards.
  • Facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary wildfire research teams.
  • Support resource planning and cross-project coordination to achieve program objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Computer Science or other related discipline and a minimum of 6 years in the field or in a related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing project logistics, coordinating meetings, and facilitating internal and external communications with investigators and stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities are required.
  • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing reports, summaries, and science highlights for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience working in or supporting a scientific research environment, preferably in Earth science, atmospheric science, or a related discipline, is required.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with NASA project management processes, reporting systems, or familiarity with NASA Earth science programs.
  • PMP certification.


Note: The actual salary offered will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications, and other job-related criteria deemed relevant to the position.

EEO/AA Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus