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Preclinical Project Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Alkermes

Project Manager, PMO

Waltham, MA · Hybrid

$137K - $147K/yr

... preclinical candidates in development for various psychiatric and neurological disorders. We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations. In 2024 and ...

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Preclinical Project Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$41.8K

$111.6K

$176K

How much do preclinical project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for preclinical project manager in Boston, MA is $111,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $133,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a preclinical project manager do?

A Preclinical Project Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of preclinical research projects that typically involve laboratory and animal studies before clinical trials in humans can begin. They work closely with scientists, regulatory teams, and stakeholders to ensure that studies are conducted according to protocols, timelines, and regulatory requirements. Their responsibilities include managing budgets, resources, and communication among various teams to advance drug candidates or medical devices through the early stages of development. Effective Preclinical Project Managers help ensure that projects meet scientific and business objectives, and that all data generated is reliable and compliant with industry standards.

How does a preclinical project manager typically coordinate with cross-functional teams during a drug development project?

A Preclinical Project Manager works closely with scientists, regulatory affairs, toxicology, and external vendors to ensure all preclinical studies are executed on time and within budget. They facilitate regular meetings to align project milestones, address challenges, and manage documentation for compliance. Effective communication and proactive issue resolution are key, as the role often requires balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders while keeping the overall project timeline on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preclinical project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preclinical Project Manager, you need a solid background in life sciences or pharmaceutical research, often with an advanced degree and experience managing preclinical studies. Familiarity with project management tools, regulatory guidelines (such as GLP), and software like Microsoft Project or similar platforms is typically required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are vital for coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring project timelines are met. These skills and qualifications are crucial for efficiently advancing drug candidates through preclinical development while ensuring compliance and project success.

What are popular job titles related to Preclinical Project Manager jobs in Boston, MA?

For Preclinical Project Manager jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Preclinical Project Manager jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Preclinical Project Manager jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Preclinical Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Preclinical Project Manager job openings:

Preclinical Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preclinical Project Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,554 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Manager Preclinical Research Strategy and Operations

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA • On-site

$124K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to support strategic and operational initiatives.

  • Drive end-to-end operational processes related to vendor engagement, contracting workflows, and departmental support.

  • Track, manage, and communicate operational deliverables, timelines, and dependencies across stakeholders.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description
General Summary:
The Manager Preclinical Research Strategy and Operations will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across the Preclinical Sciences organization. This position will partner closely with Procurement, Legal, Outsourced Contracting, Lab Operations, and Records Management to support business operations, improve processes, and enable efficient execution of departmental priorities.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized and agile operations professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is experienced in supporting change management initiatives and driving efficiencies across cross-functional teams.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Partner with Research & Preclinical Sciences leadership to support strategic and operational initiatives across this multi-disciplinary department
  • Serve as a key liaison with Procurement, Legal, Outsourced Contracting, Business Continuity (Risk Management), Lab Operations, and Records Management to ensure smooth coordination of operational activities
  • Drive end-to-end operational processes related to vendor engagement, contracting workflows via our outsourced environment documentation, and departmental support
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance cross-functional collaboration
  • Support/lead change management activities associated with new processes, systems, tools, or organizational priorities
  • Track and help manage operational deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and action items across multiple stakeholders
  • Assist with vendor and contract-related processes in partnership with Procurement, Legal, and outsourced contracting teams
  • Collaborate with Lab Operations to support business continuity, operational planning, and process consistency
  • Partner with our CROs and our "Offsite Storage Management" to ensure appropriate handling, organization, and compliance of departmental documentation and records
  • Develop and maintain operational procedures, guidance documents, trackers, dashboards, and other tools to improve visibility and accountability
  • Facilitate meetings, prepare status updates, and communicate operational progress, risks, and recommendations to leadership
  • Proactively identify operational gaps and implement practical solutions to improve execution and scalability
  • Support departmental planning efforts and help align operational priorities with broader organizational goals

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Cross-functional operational coordination
  • Process improvement and workflow optimization
  • Change management leadership
  • Vendor and contract process management
  • Documentation and records management practices
  • Meeting facilitation and stakeholder communication
  • Project tracking and reporting
  • Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and Word
  • Experience using digital tools, dashboards, or AI-assisted technologies to improve planning, documentation, communication, and operational efficiency.
  • Data tracking, dashboards, and operational reporting tools
  • Standard operating procedures and business process documentation
  • Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated environments
  • Familiarity with procurement and legal review workflows
  • Knowledge of outsourced contracting processes and vendor management
  • Experience supporting laboratory or scientific operational functions
  • Understanding of records retention, compliance, and documentation standards
  • Experience with continuous improvement methodologies
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt quickly to evolving business needs
  • Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Life Sciences, Operations, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in strategic operations, business operations, project management, or a related function
  • Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Research Scientists, Preclinical Project Managers, Procurement, Legal, Contracting, Lab Operations, or Records Management
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Experience with Coupa, Icertis, Science Exchange
  • Strong organizational and project coordination skills with high attention to detail
  • Experience supporting operational process improvement and change management initiatives
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Pay Range:
$124,000 - $186,000
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
#LI-Hybrid
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com

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