Project Manager

The Project Manager will lead and manage key aspects of scientific merit review support services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD). This role requires a strong background in project management, research administration, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization. The Project Manager will serve as a central liaison between MRSS team members, internal leadership, and VA-ORD clients to ensure efficient and compliant execution of the scientific merit review process.

Note: This is a remote position, however, we would like for the selected candidate to ideally be in a commutable distance to Washington, DC to attend monthly and/or quarterly meetings.

LMI is a consultancy dedicated to powering a future-ready, high-performing government, drawing from expertise in digital and analytic solutions, logistics, and management advisory services. We deliver integrated capabilities that incorporate emerging technologies and are tailored to customers' unique mission needs, backed by objective research and data analysis. Founded in 1961 to help the Department of Defense resolve complex logistics management challenges, LMI continues to enable growth and transformation, enhance operational readiness and resiliency, and ensure mission success for federal civilian and defense agencies.

LMI has been named a 2024 #BestPlacestoWork in the United States by Built In! We are honored to be recognized as a company that values a people-centered culture, and we are grateful to our employees for making this possible!

Perform all responsibilities in accordance with LMI/MRSS policies and procedures.
• Actively contribute to team goals by making informed decisions, demonstrating accountability, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Deliver exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining high levels of professionalism and responsiveness.

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert for a research service Broad Portfolio leading MRSS activities in support of the VA-ORD peer review program.
• Manage the intake, validation, and compliance review of scientific research proposals submitted for merit review.
• Provide direct support to the government client for all pre- and post-peer review meeting activities, including logistics, reviewer communications, scheduling, and outcome tracking.
• Collaborate closely with Scientific Portfolio Managers and MRSS Project Analysts to manage and improve the execution of review panels.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and workflow milestones to ensure alignment with VA-ORD research cycles.
• Utilize systems such as eRA Commons and other research-based platforms to track proposals, facilitate reviews, and ensure accurate data entry.
• Analyze the integrity and accuracy of scientific proposals, ensuring alignment with eligibility, formatting, and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate and report on funding requests from Principal Investigators, escalating discrepancies to VA-ORD staff.
• Manage dissemination of peer review results, upon government approval, to VA research facilities nationwide.
• Identify and escalate conflicts of interest for reviewers pre- and post-meeting; validate conflict documentation and ensure adherence to policies.
• Provide strategic recommendations to enhance merit review processes and support VA-ORD goals.
• Facilitate process improvement efforts based on review cycles, feedback, and stakeholder needs.
• Support the mentoring, training, and development of junior MRSS staff as needed.
• Prepare high-quality reports, correspondence, meeting materials, and technical documentation related to merit review operations.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Project Management, or related field (Experience may be equivalent to a degree).
• 3-5 years of experience in a program or project management role supporting research or scientific programs.
• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• LMI/MRSS may substitute education with equivalent relevant experience.

• Experience supporting research administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs or federal scientific agencies.
• Experience managing or facilitating scientific peer review processes.
• Familiarity with electronic research systems such as eRA Commons or NIH iRIS.
• 1-2 years of experience mentoring or training staff members.
• Ability to lead meetings, guide discussions, and drive outcomes with diverse stakeholder groups.

Target salary range: $62,000 - $115,000. Final compensation will be determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to your skills, experience, education, and/or certifications.

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

This description does not list all the duties of the position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by your supervisor or MRSS leadership as business needs evolve.