Project Manager, International Family Study

Description

Title: Project Manager, International Family Study
Location and Travel:

• Location - Greater Los Angeles area a
• This role is primarily remote but will require occasional travel to our Los Angeles lab for research. 
• Travel internationally for 4 to 6 weeks to Asia, Africa, or South America. 
• This position requires an interest in research, public health, and a thirst for working internationally. 

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives.

General Description:

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in the management and execution of an international study investigating environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for cleft disease in low- and middle-income countries. The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse range of international teams, ensuring smooth planning, implementation, data management, and coordination of research activities. Additionally, this individual will conduct their own research using the study data. This is a dynamic and impactful opportunity to contribute to global health initiatives, with responsibilities spanning study design, budgeting, data oversight, conducting research, and dissemination of research findings.

Essential Functions:

Project Coordination & Planning:

• Work with international research teams to ensure the successful planning and execution of the study across multiple sites.
• Coordinate data collection efforts, logistics, and other operational tasks across sites.
• Ensure compliance with guidelines, protocols, and reporting requirements throughout all phases of the study and other supportive tasks required for project management.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the study budget, ensuring efficient and appropriate allocation of resources.

Data Management Oversight:

• Directly oversee data entry, data storage, and processing activities to ensure adherence to best practices in data management.
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive environmental database and genetic repository, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Ensure proper implementation of all study standardized operating procedures for all study processes, ensuring consistency and quality across sites and in alignment with local and international standards.

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct research including environmental, lifestyle, and/ or genetic data analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on data analysis and participate in manuscript preparation and scientific writing.
• Assist with grant report preparation and reporting
• Ensure high-quality standards in the analysis and presentation of research findings.
• Support research efforts outside of this project including data management, analysis, and manuscript writing where possible.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Effectively communicate study progress, findings, and challenges to internal stakeholders, including financial teams, operational teams, grantors, and academic partners.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of research findings at academic conferences, workshops, and other relevant forums.
• Develop reports, presentations, and updates for both internal and external audiences.
• Facilitate regular communication with study team members and consultants through weekly and bi-weekly status meetings.

Travel & Field Operations:

• Coordinate and manage international travel for study site visits, data collection, and operational support.
• Provide on-site support to study teams, ensuring the proper implementation of study protocols and timely completion of tasks.

Requirements

Experience Required (education/work):

• A master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, genetics, or a related field is required. A PhD is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience managing international research projects, preferably in global health, genetics, biostatistics, or