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Project Manager Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Research Institute

C-UxS PM

Arlington, VA

$150K - $225K/yr

Program Management Lead CUAS projects from problem curation through prototype execution and ... PhD with 5 years' experience required. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience in program ...

Riverside Research Institute

C-UxS PM

Arlington, VA · On-site

$138K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities Program Management Lead CUAS projects from problem curation through prototype ... PhD with 5 years' experience required. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Demonstrated experience in program ...

Riverside Research Institute

C-UxS PM

VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities • Program Management • Lead CUAS projects from problem curation through ... with a Master's degree, a PhD with 5 years' experience required. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE • ...

TekSynap

Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Manages program, project managers, and respective teams to implement ... PhD, 5-7 years • Experience operating within ISO and/or CMMI environments: CMMI trained, A ...

TekSynap

Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Manages program, project managers, and respective teams to implement ... PhD, 5-7 years • Experience operating within ISO and/or CMMI environments: CMMI trained, A ...

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Project Manager Phd information

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 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.

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. It also enables careers in consulting, policy development, and developing new methodologies or tools for project management. These roles often involve applying research skills, data analysis, and industry knowledge to improve project outcomes and organizational efficiency.

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 are popular job titles related to Project Manager Phd jobs in Virginia? For Project Manager Phd jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Manager Phd jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Project Manager Phd jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Project Manager Phd jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Project Manager Phd job openings:
Project Manager Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Manager Phd job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution.

C-UxS PM

Riverside Research Institute

Arlington, VA

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the countrys most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

The C-UxS PM is primarily responsible for the identification/development of technology solutions for clients using company products, outsourced technology solutions and/or proprietary tools/techniques that others implement. Defines client needs and develops a plan and proposal for delivery of the project. Viewed by customers as a consultant. Performance is typically evaluated based on the capture of the consulting engagement and/or utilization, (i.e., billable hours).

This position can be located in Arlington, VA or Mountain View, CA.


     Program Management

     Lead CUAS projects from problem curation through prototype execution and transition in coordination with DoD and commercial company partners.

     Write Statements of Work (SOWs), manage schedules, track deliverables, and maintain accurate updates in DIU systems (e.g., Salesforce).

     Issue task orders, monitor contract performance, and ensure projects deliver on time and within scope.

     Problem Curation & Stakeholder Engagement

     Work with DoD stakeholders (Services, CCMDs, PEOs) to identify CUAS and/or other autonomy related capability gaps and define project goals.

     Translate user needs into structured problem statements that commercial vendors can address.

     Manage relationships across DoD customers and interagency partners.

     Industry & Vendor Engagement

     Identify and recruit commercial companies with CUAS/autonomy solutions.

     Guide vendors through DIU’s acquisition process and help them adapt products to DoD needs.

     Conduct technical diligence sufficient to evaluate commercial solutions (not as a deep SME).

     Transition & Communication

     Develop transition plans to move successful prototypes into programs of record or other scaling pathways.

     Represent DIU’s CUAS efforts to senior DoD leaders, industry partners, and interagency stakeholders.

    Prepare clear reports, updates, and briefings for leadership.


A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, 8 years with a Master's degree, a PhD with 5 years' experience required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE


     Demonstrated experience in program management (preferably in DoD acquisition, technology transition, or rapid prototyping).

     Familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, or CUAS technologies - enough to ask the right questions and assess vendor claims.

     Experience writing SOWs, building schedules, issuing task orders, or managing similar project documentation.

     Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and keep complex projects on track.

     Mix of DoD/USG and commercial experience strongly preferred.

    Current TS/SCI clearance required


ATTRIBUTES


     Energetic & Mission-Driven – motivated to solve hard DoD problems with commercial technology.

     Entrepreneurial – seeks opportunities, builds networks, and grows DIU’s impact.

     Independent – makes informed decisions and keeps projects moving without constant guidance.

     Agile & Flexible – navigates DoD bureaucracy and finds ways to get to “yes.”

     Organized & Detail-Oriented – comfortable with the mundane PM tasks that make projects successful.

     Fixer/Solver – proactively identifies risks, mitigates issues, and clears blockers.


NICE-TO-HAVES


     Experience trying to sell technology to DoD or working inside a PEO/PM office.

     Frustration with DoD bureaucracy and a passion to improve it.

     Prior operational or combat experience (reinforcing end-user empathy).

     Networks in autonomy, CUAS, or defense innovation communities.


$138,000 - $225,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veterans status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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