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Project Manager Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astera

Project Manager - DiffUSE Project

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$170K - $225K/yr

PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related field is highly preferred * Working fluency in scientific ... program management * High agency and comfort in ambiguity * Excellent written and verbal ...

Aequor

Project Manager Senior

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

Project Manager Senior - Precision Medicine Remote - Standard working hours no time zone preference ... PhD and/or Master's degree and 2 years of relevant PM experience OR Bachelor's degree and 4 years ...

Predicine, Inc

NGS Project Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

A Master's or PhD (Preferred) * Experience: * Minimum of 2 years of experience managing NGS-related projects or laboratory operations, with a proven track record in project management. * Skills:

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Project Manager III

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $189K/yr

MBA, PhD, MS, PMP) * Work Experience: 8+ years experience in medical device or in-vitro diagnostic product-development project management. Experience leading complex assay and/or quality control ...

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Project Manager III

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $189K/yr

MBA, PhD, MS, PMP) * Work Experience: 8+ years experience in medical device or in-vitro diagnostic product-development project management. Experience leading complex assay and/or quality control ...

Sherwoodengineers

Senior Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$145 - $163/hr

Master's or PhD degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental * Knowledge of civil programs ... Design Build project management experience, especially those with civil industry experience or ...

Sherwood Design Engineers

Civil Project Manager

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$98K - $131K/yr

Project Manager - Civil Engineering CA | GA | NY | CR About Sherwood Design Engineers Sherwood is a ... Master's or PhD degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental * Knowledge of civil programs ...

Sherwood Design Engineers

Civil Project Manager

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$98K - $131K/yr

Project Manager - Civil Engineering CA | GA | NY | CR About Sherwood Design Engineers Sherwood is a ... Master's or PhD degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental * Knowledge of civil programs ...

Predicine

NGS Lab Project Manager

Hayward, CA · On-site

A Master's or PhD (Preferred) * Experience: * Minimum of 2 years of experience managing NGS-related projects or laboratory operations, with a proven track record in project management. * Skills:

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Project Manager Phd information

What is a project manager PhD?

A Project Manager PhD is a professional who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and specializes in managing complex projects, often in research, academia, or highly technical fields. Their advanced education equips them with deep expertise in both their subject area and the methodologies of project management. They are responsible for leading teams, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring that project goals are achieved efficiently and effectively. Their unique qualifications make them valuable for overseeing projects that require a high level of technical or scientific knowledge.

How does having a PhD influence daily responsibilities and collaboration as a project manager?

As a Project Manager with a PhD, you may often be assigned to projects that require advanced technical expertise or rigorous research oversight. Your background allows you to bridge the gap between highly specialized team members and broader project objectives, facilitating clear communication and informed decision-making. You will likely collaborate closely with researchers, analysts, and senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable project plans. The role often involves mentoring junior team members and contributing to strategic discussions, making your advanced knowledge a valuable asset to the team.

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

To thrive as a Project Manager with a PhD, you need advanced project management expertise, research experience, and a doctoral degree, often complemented by PMP or similar certifications. Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana), data analysis tools, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and manage complex, research-driven projects. These skills ensure effective project execution, innovation, and alignment with organizational or academic goals.

What is the difference between Project Manager Phd vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Manager PhdProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant field, project management experienceBachelor's degree, some experience in project support
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academic or specialized industriesCorporate, non-profit, or construction projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, R&D departmentsBusinesses, government agencies, construction firms

The Project Manager Phd typically handles complex projects requiring advanced research skills and a high level of expertise, often in academic or research environments. In contrast, the Project Coordinator supports project execution, focusing on administrative tasks and coordination. While both roles involve project oversight, the Project Manager Phd's role is more strategic and specialized, reflecting their advanced credentials and industry focus.

What can you do with a PhD in project management?

A PhD in project management prepares individuals for advanced roles such as research, teaching at the university level, or leadership positions in organizations that require expertise in project planning, risk management, and strategic execution. Graduates often work as consultants, project directors, or in academia, utilizing skills in data analysis, methodology, and industry standards like PMI certifications. These roles typically demand strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities, often within complex or innovative projects.

What are popular job titles related to Project Manager Phd jobs in California?

For Project Manager Phd jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Manager Phd jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Manager Phd jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Project Manager Phd jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Manager Phd job openings:

Project Manager Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Manager Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Project Manager - DiffUSE Project

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$170K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted just now

Job description

About DiffUSE
The DiffUSE Project is building open infrastructure to study protein dynamics using experimental data. The project spans wet-lab collaborators, computational scientists, ML researchers, and software engineers across Astera, Radial, and partner institutions. Our vision is to create a world where it is possible to observe, predict, and act on protein motion.
Position Summary
The Diffuse Project is looking for a Project Manager to coordinate efforts across our multidisciplinary team, including members from Astera, national labs, and multiple academic institutions. You will be part of the central hub overseeing and coordinating progress across The Diffuse Project. You will work alongside the Scientific Program Manager and other leaders to ensure progress towards our key goals is sustained, and that communication across the project is organized and visible throughout the organization. We are looking for someone who runs toward ambiguity, identifies what needs to be done before being asked, and moves both projects and people forward.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as the project manager for The Diffuse Project, ensuring the strategic alignment of teams, academic leaders, and members across the project.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related communications, proactively identifying and resolving risks and issues to minimize impact on project success, and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
  • Help manage project budgets, track expenditures, and allocate resources to ensure progress targets are met.
  • Onboard/off-board new team members and collaborators
  • Facilitate internal and external events
  • Help identify patterns that generalize across DiffUSE workstreams and adjacent Astera projects
  • Help execute and monitor comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring adherence to project scope and objectives.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, motivating team members to achieve their best work.
  • Other

Requirements
  • 2-5 years of project management experience
  • PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related field is highly preferred
  • Working fluency in scientific program management
  • High agency and comfort in ambiguity
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong operational skills
  • Extreme organization
  • Clear communication and insight into tone, audience, and what to escalate

Logistics
  • Location: in-person at Astera in Emeryville, California
  • Astera is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation
  • Full-time role

To apply
  • Send your CV
  • Include one short paragraph: a time you moved a stuck project or team forward, and how

Compensation
Commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits summary

Apply