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Staff Project Manager

Mesa Labs
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/31/2025 CLOSED ON 1/1/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Project Manager position at Mesa Labs?

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.
 
At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.
 
Base Compensation Range: $134,500 - $168,000
*In addition, you qualify for:
 
  • Annual bonus opportunity of 15% based on company performance
  • Annual equity award of $14,000
 
Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:
 
  • Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start 
  • Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
  • Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
  • Company paid life insurance and AD&D
  • Flexible Time Off Policy
  • Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
  • Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
  • 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
  • Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
  • Nine (9) paid company holidays per year
 
Agena Bioscience® empowers research laboratories worldwide to deliver scalable targeted genomic data. Our open, advanced platform, the MassARRAY® System, provides researchers with insights through a highly multiplexed solution in the areas of mutation profiling, liquid biopsy, pharmacogenetics, and more.
 
Job Summary
 
The Staff Project Manager leads medium to large, complex, cross-functional initiatives that are critical to Mesa Labs’ strategic and operational success. This role applies advanced project and program management methodologies to deliver high-impact molecular RUO product and process development projects on time, within scope, and within budget. The position requires the ability to influence across functions, navigate ambiguity, and ensure alignment with divisional and corporate priorities. The Staff Project Manager serves as a key driver of operational excellence, applying continuous improvement principles and fostering accountability, transparency, and collaboration across functions and sites.
 
Duties/Responsibilities
 
  • Project Leadership & Execution 
    • Lead large-scale, multi-site, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, ensuring outcomes align with business strategy and corporate goals. 
    • Translate strategic objectives into detailed project plans, defining scope, deliverables, milestones, and resource requirements. 
    • Oversee execution, proactively managing dependencies, timelines, and risks to ensure successful delivery. 
    • Apply structured governance processes, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to quality and compliance standards. 
    • Serve as escalation point for complex issues, balancing priorities and constraints to maintain momentum and delivery integrity. 
 
  • Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication 
    • Act as the central liaison between project teams, sponsors, and senior leadership to maintain visibility and alignment. 
    • Communicate progress, risks, and mitigations to diverse audiences—executives, functional leaders, and technical teams—using concise, data-driven insights. 
    • Facilitate decision-making forums and project reviews to drive accountability and cross-functional alignment. 
    • Foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement across global project teams. 
 
  • Process Improvement & Standardization 
    • Champion continuous improvement in project management methodologies, tools, and reporting practices. 
    • Develop and implement standardized templates and best practices for project execution, governance, and reporting. 
    • Partner with functional and operations leaders to identify and deploy scalable process enhancements across divisions. 
    • Promote data-driven decision-making to improve predictability and efficiency in project execution. 
 
  • Metrics & Reporting 
    • Establish and monitor KPIs to track project performance, resource utilization, budget adherence, and delivery success. 
    • Prepare and present comprehensive project dashboards and post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement. 
    • Ensure transparent communication of progress and results to all stakeholders, including senior and executive leadership. 
 
  • Team Leadership & Development 
    • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior project managers and cross-functional team members. 
    • Lead by influence, promoting high standards of accountability, performance, and collaboration. 
    • Support professional development within the project management community of practice. 
 
Experience/Education
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or business discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Engineering, or related field). 
  • PMP certification preferred. 
  • Minimum of 8-10 years project management experience overseeing molecular product development or RUO/IVD assay projects in a biotech setting. 
  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and driving multiple complex projects to completion in a matrixed organization. 
 
Knowledge and Skillsets Required
 
  • Deep understanding of project and program management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid). 
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. 
  • Understanding of molecular biology principles and familiarity with RUO assay development, manufacturing, or lifecycle management preferred. 
  • Excellent stakeholder management, facilitation, and executive-level communication skills. 
  • Analytical thinker with demonstrated problem-solving and risk-management expertise. 
  • Proficiency in project management tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira, or Asana. 
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks. 
  • Understanding of molecular biology principles and assay lifecycle management preferred. 
  • Operates independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment in complex situations. 
  • Leads high-impact projects or programs with significant cross-functional influence. 
  • Serves as a subject-matter expert and mentor to peers and junior project managers. 
  • Recognized for strategic contribution within their functional area and the broader organization. 
 
Physical Demands
 
  •  Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings. 
  • Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks. 
  • Using computers: Typing and using office equipment. 
  • Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds. 
  • Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse. 
 
Environmental Conditions
 
  • Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort. 
  • Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain. 
  • Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary. 
  • Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures. 
  • Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building. 
 
Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
 
Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.  Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Salary : $14,000

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