R&D Project Manager

Help us translate breakthrough neuro-nanotechnology into life-changing products.

Location: Bay Area, USA
On-site: Palo Alto

Position Type: Full-Time

About Subsense

Subsense is a pioneering organization specializing in developing innovative nanotechnology solutions aimed at revolutionizing the field of noninvasive daily used Brain-Computer Interfaces and treating Neurodegenerative disease. We are committed to creating cutting-edge products that address complex health challenges and improve customer and patient outcomes.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive R&D Project Manager to support the efficient execution of research and development projects within our Operations function. This role bridges scientific innovation and operational structure – ensuring that all R&D initiatives are well-planned, tracked, and documented, with clear visibility into progress, resources, and deliverables.

You will work closely with the Head of R&D, Laboratory Manager, and cross-functional teams to drive timely execution of projects, maintain compliance and safety documentation, and foster effective collaboration between R&D, Operations, and Product. This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, systems, and execution – combining strategic coordination skills with hands-on operational rigor.

What You’ll Do (first 18 months)

• R&D project administration and reporting executed: Maintain structured documentation and project timelines, track deliverables, and prepare regular progress summaries for R&D and executive leadership.
• Project management system defined and implemented: Select, configure, and maintain project management tools to support visibility, accountability, and coordination across R&D programs.
• Compliance, safety, and security documentation maintained: Support the Laboratory Manager in ensuring all compliance, safety, and regulatory records are up to date and accessible; assist in internal audits and inspections.
• Consultant and university collaboration tracking executed: Oversee documentation and reporting for consulting and academic partnerships, ensuring contractual deliverables and milestones are tracked to completion.
• Cross-functional coordination between R&D, Operations, and Product executed: Facilitate alignment between R&D priorities and operational or product needs, ensuring dependencies are visible and actions are completed on schedule.
• Support to Head of R&D in execution of key initiatives: Provide structured support in planning, communication, and follow-up on high-priority R&D initiatives.

What You Bring

Must-have experience

• 4+ years of experience in project coordination, research operations, or program management – ideally in a research-driven or startup environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize complex projects with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
• Understanding of laboratory operations, compliance, and documentation practices (biotech, materials science, or neuroscience background preferred).
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Notion, ClickUp, or similar).
• Strong communication and documentation skills – able to translate between scientific, operational, and executive audiences.
• Proven track record of efficiency, follow-through, and proactive problem solving.
• Startup mindset – adaptable, resourceful, and driven by continuous improvement.
• US-based
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Location: Palo Alto, CA

Critical competencies
Strategic operational leadership · Scientific and translational insight · Systems-level integration thinking · Data- and metrics-driven decision-making · Agile problem-solving · Cross-functional orchestration · Executive communication and stakeholder influence · Change leadership and resilience · Operational rigor and follow-through · Prioritization under ambiguity · Collaborative, empowering leadership · Clear, persuasive communication · High-growth and startup mindset

Why Subsense

• Mission with massive impact – Help invent and deliver a first-in-class neuromodulation platform
• Ownership – Shape strategy, team, and culture from an early stage
• World-class advisors & investors – Work with leading neuroscientists, clinicians, and deep-tech VCs
• Speed & autonomy – Small, senior team shipping on three-month sprint cycles
• Competitive package – Market-aligned salary, meaningful equity and generous benefits

Subsense is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees