About the Biotechnology Project Management Program
The biotech industry has a distinct set of requirements for the project manager. Managing various discovery, development, testing and manufacturing processes within a highly-regulated and creative environment poses unique project management challenges, not usually covered in foundation curriculum or traditional industry experience.
Seattle and San Diego are two west coast centers of the biotechnology industry with the ability to address this professional challenge. The joint online Biotech Project Management Specialized Certificate Program through UC San Diego Extension and University of Washington Extension is intended for product managers, manufacturing managers, quality managers and scientific, clinical research or regulatory specialists engaged in biotech product design, development and control. The program is ideal for individuals who are trying to move into the biotech industry by learning project management processes for completing and delivering a biotech product within budget and on schedule.
Further Reading:
Course Sequence & Admission Requirements
COURSE SEQUENCE
Quarter 1
- Project Management Standards & Processes
- Project Management within a Scientific/ Research Environment
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:
- A bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific discipline.
- Two years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, or relevant research experience.
The program commences in both spring and autumn semesters/quarters. To initiate the application process, please visit the official website of the Biotechnology Project Management certificate program at the University of Washington.
Program Benefits & Career Prospects
The Biotechnology Project Management certificate equips professionals with specialized skills, industry knowledge, and a recognized credential. It enables them to excel in project management roles within the biotech sector and contribute to the successful development and delivery of biotech products.
- The certificate program provides comprehensive training in project management processes specifically tailored for the biotechnology industry. Professionals will develop a solid understanding of project planning, execution, monitoring, and control, enabling them to manage biotech projects from start to finish effectively.
- Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the biotech industry, including its unique challenges, regulations, and best practices. This specialized knowledge will enable professionals to navigate complex biotech projects and make informed decisions confidently.
- The certificate program brings together professionals from various disciplines within the biotech sector, such as product managers, manufacturing managers, quality managers, and scientific or regulatory specialists. This collaborative learning environment fosters networking and enables professionals to gain insights from peers in different roles, expanding their professional network and fostering potential collaborations.
- The program emphasizes applying project management principles in real-world biotech scenarios. Participants can use their newly acquired knowledge and skills for industry-specific projects, enhancing their ability to deliver successful outcomes.
CAREER PROSPECTS
A sample of professionals who might benefit from this program:
- Project Managers who are already employed within the biotech industry and can enhance their skills and knowledge specific to biotech projects to manage complex initiatives.
- Product Managers overseeing the development and launch of biotech products can gain a deeper understanding of project management processes within the biotech industry, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Manufacturing Managers involved in biotech products' production aspects can leverage the certificate to develop project management skills to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
- Scientists and researchers involved in biotech product design and development could use project management skills that facilitate collaboration, management of resources, and efficient execution of research projects.
- Professionals looking to enter the biotech industry can leverage the certificate program to acquire project management skills specific to the biotech sector, enhancing their employability and facilitating a successful transition into biotech project management roles.
Biotechnology Project Management
Required Courses - University of Washington
Required Courses - UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
Meet the Instructors
Yves Theriault, PhD, PMP
Yves has a much-diversified background which includes multi-disciplinary expertise in the fields of life sciences, nanotechnology, systems engineering, pharmaceutical and biotechnology strategic product research and development, leadership, organizational performance, strategic program and project management. He is Program Manager for Education and Outreach Programs at the UC San Diego-based Qualcomm Institute (QI). At QI, he develops and implements educational programs focused on convergence education at the vertex of science, technology, and society. He also develops and teaches courses involving highly integrated multidisciplinary science and engineering program and project management, leadership in the science and technology environments, and nanotechnology convergence and its multiple distributive applications.
Bart Staker, PhD
Bart Staker has more than 15 years of project management experience in both industry and academia. He has been a founding partner in three biotech startups and managed projects as part of a contract research organization. Staker is currently a project manager at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and has a passion for applying project management principles to product development in biotechnology. He has a Ph.D in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan and a B.S. in biology from the University of Washington.
Certificate Guidelines
Participants will take two online courses developed and offered by UW Professional and Continuing Education and two biotech courses offered from UC San Diego Extension. When students complete all 4 courses, they will receive a UW-UCSD joint certificate.
Special Notes
Tuition is paid on a course-by-course basis. Estimated tuition for the program is $5,140 excluding textbooks.
Advisory Board
Tracy Arakaki, PhD, PMP, PBA
Silvia Chang, MBA
Ruby Cheema
Tae Kim, PMP
Benjamin Smarr, PhD
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