The DiffUSE Project is building open infrastructure to study protein dynamics using experimental data. The project spans wet-lab collaborators, computational scientists, ML researchers, and software engineers across Astera, Radial, and partner institutions. Our vision is to create a world where it is possible to observe, predict, and act on protein motion.
Position SummaryThe Diffuse Project is looking for a Project Manager to coordinate efforts across our multidisciplinary team, including members from Astera, national labs, and multiple academic institutions. You will be part of the central hub overseeing and coordinating progress across The Diffuse Project. You will work alongside the Scientific Program Manager and other leaders to ensure progress towards our key goals is sustained, and that communication across the project is organized and visible throughout the organization. We are looking for someone who runs toward ambiguity, identifies what needs to be done before being asked, and moves both projects and people forward.
What You'll DoServe as the project manager for The Diffuse Project, ensuring the strategic alignment of teams, academic leaders, and members across the project.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related communications, proactively identifying and resolving risks and issues to minimize impact on project success, and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
Help manage project budgets, track expenditures, and allocate resources to ensure progress targets are met.
Onboard/off-board new team members and collaborators
Facilitate internal and external events
Help identify patterns that generalize across DiffUSE workstreams and adjacent Astera projects
Help execute and monitor comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring adherence to project scope and objectives.
Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, motivating team members to achieve their best work.
Other
2-5 years of project management experience
PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related field is highly preferred
Working fluency in scientific program management
High agency and comfort in ambiguity
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong operational skills
Extreme organization
Clear communication and insight into tone, audience, and what to escalate
Location: in-person at Astera in Emeryville, California
Astera is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation
Full-time role
Send your CV
Include one short paragraph: a time you moved a stuck project or team forward, and how
Skills Required
- 2-5 years of project management experience
- PhD in biology, chemistry, or a related field
- Working fluency in scientific program management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong operational skills
- Extreme organization
What We Do
Astera is a private foundation with a $2.5B endowment focused on steering science and technology toward an abundant future for all. They operate like a high-velocity startup, integrating neuroscience, AI, and bioengineering for AGI research.
