Who we are 

The AI-Driven, Rapid, Experimental Automation Machine (DREAM) Cloud Lab for Protein Engineering at Northwestern University will be a national user facility that accelerates the engineering of proteins for a range of important biotechnology applications spanning manufacturing, materials, medicine, waste recycling, agriculture, food, mining and more. Through creating and operating an automated cell-free protein synthesis and characterization wet-lab, connected through an AI-directed protein design-build-test-learn framework, DREAM users from across the U.S. can engineer custom proteins in rapid, automated, accessible and reliable steps instead of the months to years required with current practices. DREAM will generate both novel proteins with useful functions and the high-quality experimental data and models needed to improve how proteins are designed in the future. Those capabilities could ultimately be used by academic researchers and industry across medicine, manufacturing, materials, agriculture, food, sustainability, and other areas where engineered proteins can solve important problems. DREAM will be housed in the Northwestern Center for Synthetic Biology (NU CSB), a world-renowned center for engineering impactful biotechnologies. 

The job 

DREAM is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to help turn this vision into an operating national facility. Working closely with Node Director Professor Julius Lucks, the Project Manager will sit at the center of DREAM bringing together the scientific, engineering, automation, computational, operational, and administrative workstreams required to launch and run the facility. 

This is much more than a traditional project-management role. The successful candidate will help build the systems by which DREAM operates: translating an ambitious technical program into executable plans, keeping teams aligned across disciplines, identifying risks before they become roadblocks, and driving the project from buildout through launch and ongoing operations. 

The Project Manager will own the integration of budget, schedule, scope, risk, and execution across the Node and will lead development and implementation of DREAM’s Project Execution Plan, including governance, stakeholder engagement, communications, development strategy, compliance, cost and schedule management, and risk and issue management. 

Responsibilities 

Coordinating workstreams and resources 

Responsible for the coordinated management of multiple related projects, and in many cases, ongoing operations, which are directed toward a common objective. Works with constituent Project Managers to monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance of component projects and operations, while working to ensure the ultimate success of the program.  Determines and coordinates the sharing of resources among constituent projects to other overall benefit of the program.  Partners with stakeholder management to ensure project success. 

Navigating challenges and roadblocks 

The Project Manager will interact with workstream leads to help address scientific, engineering, and management challenges to increase DREAM's operational efficiency and scale.  

Driving execution 

The position will help drive seamless execution across several core areas, including cell-free protein synthesis, wet lab workflows, robotic automation, computational protein design, data infrastructure, and biosafety/biosecurity systems.  

Supervision and oversight 

The Project Manager will supervise DREAM's scientific and computational staff and collaborate closely with NU CSB faculty leads, trainees, and staff across core areas to track progress, coordinate activities, and ensure achievement of project milestones. 

Desired expertise and experience 

The ideal candidate combines expertise in cell-free synthetic biology, protein engineering, and experience with machine learning with strong formal project management expertise, enabling them to work across multidisciplinary teams to build and scale DREAM. 

Minimum qualifications 

1. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.    

2. 6 years managing large multi-component projects or other relevant experience required. 

3. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or equivalent qualification 

4. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve project management and technology development procedures and processes based on industry-standard best practices, efficient operations and successful delivery of project objectives on time and within budget. 

5. Strong working knowledge of experimental workflows (e.g., protein engineering, molecular biology, automation platforms, cell-free systems) 

6. Proven ability to bridge technical teams and contribute meaningfully to troubleshooting and system design 

7. Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex goals into structured, actionable execution plans 

8. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments. 

Preferred Qualifications 

1. Ph.D. in bioengineering, chemical biology, molecular biology, or related technical field 

2. 3 to 5+ years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary scientific or engineering programs 

3. 1+ years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary scientific or engineering programs 

4. Demonstrated experience in lab automation, cell-free protein synthesis and characterization, biotechnology, synthetic biology, or related environments 

5. Experience managing program budgets, coordinating cross-functional teams, and overseeing data-driven initiatives. 

6. Experience working with machine learning models for biological systems and large experimental datasets 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $126,000-$140,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data 

This is a one-year term position with an opportunity for renewal based on performance and available funding. 

Why Northwestern 

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.  

Northwestern University’s Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) is Northwestern University’s thought leader in engineering biological systems to address global problems. Comprised of 24 affiliated faculty and more than 300 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, undergraduate researchers and research and administrative staff, CSB delivers research excellence that spans disciplines on key synthetic biology topics ranging from cell-free systems, mammalian systems, enabling technologies, and ethics and education. Core to CSB’s mission is the wide dissemination of these findings—to students, scholars, policymakers, and the public—to maximize the impact of our research and maintain the highest standard of excellence. 

Work-Life and Wellness: 
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. 
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more. 

Professional Growth & Development: 
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more. 

 
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.