Fan of innovation and challenges of all kinds? You should like the job of scientific project manager! You will be the conductor of an innovation project, from its conception to its realization, from the definition of the specifications to the final rendering on time.
The main activity of the scientific project manager is to develop a research project, whether by implementing an innovation or by responding to a customer’s request to develop a new product or improve a already existing product. To do this, he will have to draw up specifications in accordance with the deadlines and the allocated budget.
The scientific project manager can work in very different sectors of activity: chemistry, pharmacy, biology, toxicology, biomedical imaging, biochemistry, energy, environment … Each position will have its specificities, linked to its sector of activity . However, the main tasks will remain the same. The scientific project manager will thus be able to carry out scientific experiments, develop protocols for their implementation, define human and material resources, etc. He will also have to take into account the possible hazards during the project by defining the constraints and formalizing the expected objectives . The scientific project manager may also, as part of his duties, seek to forge research partnerships, external to the company.
How to become a scientific project manager?
The profession of scientific project manager is accessible with a minimum bac + 5. A bac + 8 may be necessary depending on the specialization:
- Engineering degree: for example Sup’Biotech and its Research & Development Major;
- Master 2 in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biotechnologies, pharmacology…;
- doctorate with a specialization in a specific field of activity.
The main skills and qualities to have
The job of scientific project manager requires versatility:
- management of a project as a whole;
- mastery of project management methods and tools;
- drafting of specifications;
- knowledge of the trades of his project;
- budget management and meeting deadlines;
- good communicator;
- diplomacy and listening to customer needs;
- very good interpersonal skills;
- expertise in meeting management;
- rigor and sense of priorities;
- ability to adapt ;
- conflict management ;
- taste for teamwork;
- team management ;
- good stress management;
- English proficiency.
Work conditions
The scientific project manager works in project mode whether on behalf of a client company or within his own company. His working hours are classic office hours, which can be extended especially at the end of the project, in order to return it on time.
The salary of a scientific project manager
A novice scientific project manager earns between 2000 and 2900 euros gross per month, depending on his level of studies and his sector of activity. After several years of experience, his salary may be around 2900 to 3750 euros gross monthly. A senior scientific project manager can claim a salary of between 4,000 and 6,000 euros gross per month, again depending on his sector of activity and his specialty.
The development prospects of a scientific project manager
A scientific project manager can progress to a position of research & development program director or even research team leader.
Companies that employ scientific project managers
- Consulting firm ;
- private or public companies;
- ESN;
- research organization.
Article written in collaboration with Ionis Group
My job explained to my mother
Mom, my job is to innovate. I can seek to develop an innovation in my sector of activity or seek to improve an already existing product or service. For this, I work as a team, with which I define the areas for possible improvement and according to my budget and deadlines, I look for what could be done differently. My missions can be very different depending on my sector of activity. I will not work in the same way depending on whether I am working in the agro-food sector or in the space sector, for example. The objectives will be different, the means also. I have to be both creative and very rigorous.
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