Project Director and Louisiana Site Lead

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead CFD Research’s expansion into the Louisiana area.  This role will involve building relationships at the local, state, and Federal level, including with Louisiana based Universities.  Additionally, this person will be responsible for the execution of complex programs supporting Department of War (DoW) and other federal agency initiatives within our Biotechnology and Life Sciences portfolio. This role is suited for a strategic, mission-focused leader who can manage multidisciplinary efforts in dynamic, high-accountability environments. The ideal candidate has a foundation in biological sciences, deep experience managing government-funded programs, and the ability to contribute to growth through capture and business development activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Building relationships with the Louisiana community and University system
• Assist in planning and execution of DoW and federally funded programs, ensuring alignment with mission objectives, technical requirements, and performance milestones
• Coordinate and manage cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, and external collaborators or subcontractors
• Assist program leadership in overseeing local program financials, including budgeting and forecasting
• Monitor local program performance through metrics, technical reviews, and milestone tracking; proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Lead or support proposal development and capture efforts, including technical volumes, cost inputs, and strategy development
• Identify and pursue new opportunities aligned with DoW priorities (e.g., medical countermeasures, bio-surveillance, readiness, biodefense)

Qualifications

Required

• Degree in science, engineering, business, or related field
• Proven track record of delivering on time, within scope, and within budget
• Experience supporting business development, capture, or proposal efforts
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Program/project management experience in a DoW, federal contracting, or related environment
• Demonstrated success managing complex government-funded programs, including multi-partner or subcontractor teams
• Broad familiarity with biological research, biomedical technologies, or applied life sciences (deep specialization not required)

Preferred

• Experience building relationships with government offices at the local, state and federal level
• Experience managing subcontractors and external research partners
• Strategic mindset with experience aligning technical execution to mission needs and sponsor priorities
• Experience with defense-related biomedical applications (e.g., infectious disease, medical countermeasures, bio-surveillance, human performance)
• Familiarity with advanced research platforms (e.g., in vitro models, organ-on-chip systems, omics technologies, computational biology) and/or animal models
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance (or ability to obtain one)
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training (a plus, not required)

Location: This role is based in the Ruston, Louisiana area, and may include up to 50% travel.