Program Manager, Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS)

Company: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Labor
Location: Laurel
Posted on: May 16, 2025

Job Description:

Description

Do you have a vision for how biological and chemical sciences can bring disruptive solutions to challenges facing our nation?Are you passionate about leading multidisciplinary teams to create previously unimaginable solutions?Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?If so, we are seeking someone like you to join our team at the JHU Applied Physics Laborator (APL).We are seeking a Program Manager for our Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS) Program, located within the Research Program Area of the Research and Exploratory Development (RED) Mission Area. In the Program Manger role, you will invent the future for biologically- and chemically-derived operational enablers, survivable systems, and superhuman endeavors. You will manage, expand, and refresh a portfolio of projects within the BCS Program. The Program Manager will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a strategy for biological and chemical research that complements Mission Area and Department strategy. As Program Manager, you will lead a team to identify and pursue new business development opportunities in line with strategy while cultivating and sustaining relationships with both current and potential sponsors. You will partner effectively with Line and Program Management, across the Enterprise, to create and sustain a culture of technical excellence, creativity, cross-enterprise collaboration, innovation, and technology transitions.You will be joining a hardworking team of scientists and engineers, with a broad range of expertise, who are committed to intellectual curiosity, innovation and creativity. We strive to foster a collaborative environment with extraordinary expertise that achieves game-changing impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our Nation's preeminence in the 21st century.As the Program Manager for the BCS Program, you will...

• Strategy: Establish, refine, and maintain vision, strategy and execution priorities for the Program, consistent with the Department and Mission Area strategies and objectives. Maintain awareness of external environment relative to APL's current and potential position within that landscape. Develop and maintain effective working relationships across the Department and Laboratory. Understand the RED MA strategy and how the Program contributes to it. Advise the Mission Area Executive and/or Program Area Manager in making portfolio management decisions.
• Program Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing team to execute pioneering research projects to enhance national security through innovations in biology and chemistry. Manage and mentor Assistant Program Managers, Project Managers and/or Task Leads in both government and APL process for establishing and executing funded projects. Coordinate Program efforts through the Project Managers to ensure on-time and within budget execution of Program tasking. Ensure that tasks assigned are well-defined and understood by technical staff. Provide feedback to staff, as well as Group and Section Supervisors on Project Manager and technical staff performance.
• Pioneering Research: Create and pursue new Program initiatives consistent with the Program strategy through regular interaction with existing and potential sponsors. Act as the primary point of contact with Sponsors and develop and foster a trusted relationship with Program Managers, Technical Leaders, Contracts Personnel and be intimately aware of Sponsor requirements and directions. Understand the Sponsors' technical goals and challenges, major milestones, funding profile, and how they are likely to evolve in the coming years. Inform the Sponsor of APL's capabilities and vision, as well as appropriate roles for and limitations of a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Lead the development and execution of proposals, task assignments, and related documentation to address Sponsor requirements and comply with APL policies and processes.
• Thought Leadership: Provide thought leadership for biological and chemical sciences research at APL. Advise the Department and Mission Area leadership on IRAD needs and priorities work with technical staff to focus and target their efforts on relevant research for future transition to Sponsor challenges and keep abreast of technology development external to REDD that may be relevant to current and future areas including, but not limited to synthetic biology, operational biology, biomonitoring of threats and the environment, biomanufacturing, survivable systems, brain mapping and neuroscience, injury biomechanics, and beyond.
• Quality: Analyze and approve Program deliverables, to ensure they meet Sponsor needs and portfolio standards. Conduct regular project reviews to ensure technical excellence, identify areas of risk and develop mitigation plans in coordination with sponsor requirements, and coach the Project Manager. Review and approve APL-generated products (presentations, reports and letters) that will have an external audience. Ensure Enterprise requirements for quality, safety, and security are met for all Program activities.
• Culture: Partner effectively with Line and Program Management across APL to create and sustain a portfolio culture of technical excellence, creativity, leadership development, interdisciplinary innovation, cross-enterprise collaboration, and foster technology transition.Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.
  Qualifications
  
  You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a MS in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar technical field.
• Have at least 7 years of relevant technical professional experience in cutting-edge research.
• Have a minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience in a leadership role and along with previous Project or Program Management experience.
• Exhibit creative, strategic thinking with a proven record of success in developing new ideas leading to sponsored research efforts.
• Have experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams and demonstrated ability to lead projects and be an effective sponsor interface.
• Are a strategic thinker with demonstrated success developing and executing a vision through interaction with all levels of staff and management, as well as external parties to include government agencies and academia.
• Are an excellent communicator (written and verbal, technical and strategic) with the ability to engage with all levels of staff and management, including senior leadership of government agencies and academic/industry partners.
• Exhibit demonstrated ability to manage performance, cost, and schedule through the full life cycle of a project.
• Have experience managing projects within quality management system guidelines.
• Can travel to conferences or meetings (10-20%) and are willing to work in closed areas.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar technical field.
  • Have knowledge of and/or relationships with government sponsors who fund research in biological and chemical sciences research.
  • Have previous line management experience.
  • Are familiar with APL business processes and federal contracting.#LI-KW1#SMR
    About Us
    
    Why Work at APL?The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact.The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
    Minimum Rate
    
    $140,000 Annually
    
    Maximum Rate
    
    $320,000 AnnuallyRequired
    Preferred

    Job Industries

    • Other

Keywords: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Labor, Eldersburg , Program Manager, Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS), Executive , Laurel, Maryland