Return to the Transferable Skills for PhD Careers Index
Understanding the Scientific Enterprise as a Senior Project Manager in Academia
A big part of my work is communicating scientific knowledge and processes to state officials and staff who are much less familiar with the scientific enterprise.
- Discipline-specific knowledge
Managing Up/Down as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
I manage three staff from different skill sets and backgrounds, and dealing with conflict and negotiating difficult conversations is an important part of the project management work I do.
- Ability to manage others
- Dealing with conflict
- Negotiating difficult conversations
- Seeking advice from advisors and mentors
- Training and mentoring individuals
Understanding the Scientific Enterprise as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
A big part of my work is communicating scientific knowledge and processes to state officials and staff who are much less familiar with the scientific enterprise.
- Discipline-specific knowledge
Motivation as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
Motivating others within the organization and the organization as a whole is important. When motivation was feeling especially low in the midst of the pandemic, I instituted twice weekly check-ins for our team where people could sign on to Zoom and join others to chat and connect. I also started offering a meet up just for parents. These groups have helped to keep motivation and address potential barriers to motivation during this challenging time.
Interpreting Information as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
- Deep knowledge of specific research area
Project Management as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
I use project management daily to keep our teams on track to be able to accomplish all tasks in the required timeframe.
- Ability to manage a project
- Delegating responsibilities
- Developing/managing budgets
- Managing data and resources
- Planning and organizing projects
- Providing instruction and guidance
- Time management
Integrity as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
We regularly must withhold commitments and maintain deadlines.
- Can identify and address research misconduct
- Complying with rules and regulations
- Demonstrating responsible authorship and publication practices
- Demonstrating workplace etiquette
- Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues
- Serving as a role model
- Upholding commitments and meeting deadlines
Strategic Thinking as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
The professional indicated this transferable skill is important in their position, but did not provide specific examples.
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems
- Ability to set a vision and goals
- Creating vision and goals
- Creativity/innovative thinking
Teamwork as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
I work on part of multiple teams, and I've learned quickly that being an effective and high functioning team is critical for meeting deadlines and producing deliverables. I also serve as a liaison between our research team and our partners at the state and in a large national organization, so being able to connect across teams is important.
- Ability to work on a team
- Ability to work with people outside the organization
- Providing constructive feedback
Communication as a Senior Project Manager in Science Policy
I communicate with the media, with policymakers, with colleagues, and I write for lay and professional audiences. Communication is a big part of most aspects of my work.
- Basic writing and editing
- Oral communication skills
- Presenting research to scientists
- Presenting to nonscientists
- Speaking clearly and effectively
- Teaching in a classroom setting
- Writing for nonscientists
- Writing scientific publications
- Written communication skills