Clinical Project Manager

Lightship

At Lightship, we are transforming the way clinical research is conducted to improve access, convenience, and equity in clinical trials. We partner with biopharmaceutical sponsors to deliver patient-centered, technology-enabled clinical trials through a flexible model that includes in-clinic visits, in-home care, mobile research units, and digital health solutions.

Our mission is to make participation in research more accessible for all patients while accelerating the development of life-changing therapies.

We are seeking a highly autonomous, operationally strong Clinical Project Manager who can confidently lead sponsor-facing clinical operations in a fast-paced and evolving environment. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in high-growth settings, enjoys solving complex operational challenges, and is energized by building better ways of working.

This role requires around 30% travel, including occasional overnight travel.

What You’ll Do

As Clinical Project Manager, you will lead cross-functional clinical study execution from start-up through close-out while serving as a primary operational contact for sponsors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

You will be responsible for ensuring studies are delivered on time, within scope, and with exceptional operational quality.

Sponsor & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for sponsors, investigators, vendors, and study partners
• Build trusted sponsor relationships through proactive communication, transparency, and accountability
• Lead study meetings, operational reviews, and status reporting
• Escalate risks appropriately and drive resolution plans across stakeholders
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Quality, Legal, Finance, and Technology teams

Clinical Study Execution

• Oversee operational delivery of clinical studies from start-up through close-out
• Support study start-up activities including vendor coordination, site activation support, and operational readiness
• Ensure study conduct aligns with protocol requirements, ICH-GCP guidelines, SOPs, and applicable regulations
• Monitor study timelines, enrollment progress, deliverables, and operational performance metrics
• Coordinate issue resolution with study teams, vendors, monitors, and investigators
• Ensure study documentation, training records, and essential operational materials are maintained appropriately

Operational & Financial Management

• Manage project timelines, resource forecasting, and operational deliverables
• Review project budgets, study hours, forecasting, and operational efficiency metrics
• Identify scope changes and support change management discussions with sponsors
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting within project management systems and CTMS platforms
• Partner with Finance to support invoicing and vendor payment tracking

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead cross-functional teams with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• Identify operational risks proactively and implement mitigation strategies before escalation is required
• Contribute to process improvements, SOP development, tools, and best practices
• Support audit and inspection readiness activities as needed
• Help strengthen operational scalability within a rapidly growing organization

What Success Looks Like

• Studies are delivered on timeline and aligned with sponsor expectations
• Operational risks are identified early and managed effectively
• Cross-functional teams remain aligned, accountable, and informed
• Sponsors experience strong communication, responsiveness, and partnership
• Study metrics, documentation, and systems remain accurate and audit-ready
• Team members trust you to drive clarity, organization, and momentum

Who Thrives Here

This role is best suited for someone who:

• Takes ownership and drives execution independently
• Is comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments
• Balances strategic thinking with hands-on operational problem-solving
• Communicates confidently with sponsors and senior stakeholders
• Adapts quickly to changing priorities and business needs
• Enjoys collaborating across functions to solve complex challenges
• Prefers building and improving processes rather than simply maintaining them

Candidates who prefer highly structured environments with rigid processes may find this role less aligned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of clinical research experience
• 2+ years of direct Clinical Project Management experience with independent study oversight
• Experience managing studies from start-up through close-out
• Sponsor-facing clinical operations experience
• Experience working within a CRO, Sponsor, SMO, Site Network, or decentralized clinical trial environment
• Strong understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and clinical trial operations
• Experience using CTMS or project management platforms
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Decentralized Clinical Trial (DCT) or virtual trial experience
• Startup or high-growth company experience
• Experience managing vendors, budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Experience supporting operational scaling or process improvement initiatives

Work Environment & Flexibility

Lightship operates as a distributed organization built on flexibility, accountability, and collaboration. Team members are expected to anchor their schedules within standard business hours for their geographic region while maintaining flexibility to support collaboration across U.S. and UK time zones when needed.

This role requires comfort working independently in a semi-remote environment while staying highly responsive and collaborative across teams.

Why Join Lightship

• Help reshape the future of accessible and patient-centered clinical research
• Join a mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative team
• Contribute meaningfully within a fast-growing organization redefining trial delivery
• Work alongside experienced clinical research leaders and industry experts
• Gain exposure to enterprise-grade virtual-first clinical research solutions

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4% and immediate vesting
• Company-provided laptop (PC or Mac)
• Monthly internet and phone stipend
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance and additional benefits

Compensation

The annualized compensation range for this role is $110,000–$135,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Lightship uses a geographically neutral compensation philosophy focused on experience, impact, and contribution.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Lightship is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and consider candidates without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Please note: Roles involving travel or patient interaction may require COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.