Associate Project Manager & Sample Coordinator

Description

The Associate Project Manager & Sample Coordinator, within the I-Mab R&D department, plays a key role in supporting the execution of clinical-stage research programs. Under the supervision of Program Management, this position will collaborate closely with Clinical Pharmacology, Biomarker, CMC, and Clinical Operations teams, as well as external vendors, to ensure effective coordination across R&D activities. A central responsibility includes managing vendor relationships with oversight of contracts, budgets, and operational workflows.

The role also supports the planning and coordination of laboratory sample and clinical investigational product (IP) supply logistics according to established schedules. In addition, the Associate Project Manager will organize and maintain laboratory analysis data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and accessibility. By driving cross-functional alignment, monitoring operational details, and maintaining project documentation, this position ensures that R&D programs are delivered efficiently on schedule, and to the highest quality standards.

Requirements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Clinical Operations to manage and track laboratory sample shipments from clinical sites, resolve sample data queries, and ensure chain-of-custody and regulatory compliance.
• Manage laboratory vendor relationships, including contract oversight, budget tracking, and invoice/purchase order (PO) approvals in Coupa.
• Support vendor negotiations and performance monitoring to ensure compliance with project timelines and deliverables.
• Partner with Clinical Pharmacology and Biomarker leads to develop, update, and maintain the sample analysis schedule across R&D programs.
• Coordinate transfer of laboratory samples from biorepositories to analysis laboratories per the analysis schedule.
• Work closely with scientific groups to map out scheduling and facilitate schedules accordingly.
• Manage storage and organization of laboratory analysis data to ensure data integrity, traceability, and accessibility.
• Maintain trackers, project dashboards, and documentation to provide clear visibility to internal stakeholders.
• Assist in clinical IP supply readiness, including coordination of filling, labeling, and shipment to meet clinical demand.
• Support preparation of project updates, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Participate in project team meetings, providing updates on vendor performance, sample analysis progress, and budget status.
• Proactively identify risks or issues and escalate them to project leadership for resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• BS degree with experience in life sciences, biotechnology, or a related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of project management or coordination experience, preferably in the biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience with lab vendor management, sample logistics, or procurement systems (e.g., Coupa) preferred.
• Experience in drug development a plus.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong administrative, organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment required
• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project) a plus.
• Familiarity with bioanalysis and biomarker workflows, as well as sample/data management in R&D settings, a plus.
• Knowledge of clinical and/or CMC operations; GLP/GMP desirable.

Other:

• Travel up to 5%.
• Authorized to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift up-to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.