At BioAgilytix, we understand that complex bioanalytical projects demand a high level of project stability, accountability, and ownership to produce reliable, high-quality results on time. We are only able to produce work to this standard with the help of every one of our employees – especially those responsible for ensuring open communications between our internal teams and our customers.

In this Q&A session, we get to know Jon Rush, Project Manager at BioAgilytix, as he discusses how he manages collaboration and resource allocation between his teams so that they can work in the most efficient way possible to deliver timely, quality scientific results.

Tell us a little bit about your scientific background and your role.
Before coming to BioAgilytix, I worked in animal health vaccines and then in human vaccines for a number of years. I did laboratory work in both of these areas before moving into project management about 15 years ago. It was a role that I was encouraged to move into after having success managing a few initial projects. Fast forward to today, and I have been a Project Manager at BioAgilytix for about a year now. I essentially act as a resource for our Bioanalytical Project Managers (BPMs) to help them facilitate their projects. On a day-to-day basis, I am actively planning to help the organization avoid workload bottlenecks, efficiently distribute resources, and predict lead times so that we can optimally fit every project into our overall schedule.

How did you come to work at BioAgilytix?
I am originally from North Carolina, and while I spent a number of years working on projects outside of the state, I knew that I eventually wanted to travel less and stay in the area more. That is when I found BioAgilytix. From my first interview I felt very positive about the company. I could tell that it was an innovative and growing organization, but it still felt tight-knit like a smaller company. I saw a lot of opportunity and potential, and after being with BioAgilytix for a year, I definitely feel like I got an accurate read from the start on the company’s strength well as its overall culture, which is really unique and great.

How do you handle facilitating collaboration in your role?
When working with so many teams of BPMs and analysts, collaboration is always a priority for me. As such, I meet with each BPM every week so that I can better understand their future needs and challenges and support them more effectively. In all my years as a project manager, I have found that frequent points of communication are vital, and help me to be better at my job and to allocate resources in a way that will work best for everyone.

I get an interesting perspective because I am able to look at our site as a whole, and really understand where project resources, new hires, etc. will be of best use. I also appreciate that I have the opportunity to touch so many different and diverse bioanalytical projects. In this role, I am involved with all of the projects our BPMs manage with varying levels of intensity. When a team is having issues with a particularly difficult or complex project, I get to come in and help them come up with solutions that address any identified challenges.

How would you describe BioAgilytix’s company culture?
BioAgilytix does not have a typical company culture. Everyone is very open and willing to collaborate, and that is an essential part of why I like working at BioAgilytix. I genuinely have never worked with better people; everyone brings a positive influence to every project they get involved with and is committed to working collaboratively to get the results we need.

What do you think differentiates BioAgilytix in the market?
You can see proof of BioAgilytix’s expertise in the way the company is growing. As a CRO, we don’t sell a tangible product; the main thing we offer to clients is our scientists’ expertise. Because of this, we would not be able grow like we are without quality people who are committed to producing premium science using innovative methodology. It is the people that make the difference.

Interested in hearing from other BioAgilytix team members? You can also read our Q&As with Samuel Pine, Director of Bioanalytical Operations, Europe; Daniel Cohen, Business Development Director, Mid-Atlantic and Asia; Matt Bray, Scientist and Bioanalytical Project Manager; Christine Ford, Corporate Compliance Manager; Jessica Rohrman, Scientist II and Bioanalytical Project Manager; and Angela Daniels, Quality Specialist IV.

Interested in joining the BioAgilytix team? Visit our careers site to learn more about what it’s like to work at BioAgilytix and to view our current career opportunities.