Program Manager (Senior Research Associate)

About Westat

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Job Summary

Westat is seeking a Program Manager (Senior Research Associate) to support a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program focused on clinical research systems, data integration, and regulatory-compliant technology delivery. The ideal candidate brings a blend of clinical research domain knowledge, program management expertise, and experience delivering and operating enterprise software solutions in complex, multi-system environments. This position is contingent upon the award of the contract.

This position has a hybrid arrangement to work onsite at our Bethesda, MD office 3 days per week and 2 days per week from your home office.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and support program management activities across the full lifecycle, including acquisition planning, contract management, budget oversight, and schedule execution.
• Plan and oversee implementation of software solutions and product delivery across large-scale, distributed clinical and research systems.
• Ensure alignment with regulatory and compliance frameworks, including GxP guidelines and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Collaborate with technical teams, researchers, and federal stakeholders to define requirements, prioritize workstreams, and deliver mission-aligned solutions.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across federal, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Support development and execution of operational processes, including risk management, reporting, and performance tracking.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts related to clinical informatics systems, data ecosystems, and emerging technologies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 10 years of experience to include at least 7 years of experience in program or project management supporting federal health or clinical research programs.
• Demonstrated familiarity with clinical research environments and regulatory frameworks, including GxP and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience managing contracts, budgets, schedules, and personnel in a government or highly regulated environment.
• Experience supporting software implementation or product delivery in large-scale, multi-system environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Health Informatics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other federal health agencies.
• Familiarity with clinical trial systems, electronic data capture (EDC), and research data platforms.
• Experience with Agile, DevSecOps, or modern software delivery practices in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of data standards and interoperability approaches (e.g., FHIR, OMOP, CDISC).
• PMP, Scrum Master, or other relevant certifications.
• Experience supporting large IDIQ/BPA task orders or multi-vendor environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across technical and non-technical teams.

Requirements

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility

This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 - $125,000 and will commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility

Yes