Project Manager - HPC Cloud Migration
Zifo · Boston
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a strategic proof-of-concept (POC) and planning effort to migrate on‑premise high performance computing (HPC) environments to a standardized AWS-based cloud platform.
This role will partner closely with the assigned Data, Technology and Engineering (DTE) technical lead to jointly drive delivery, ensuring alignment between technical execution and program governance. The initial focus is execution of a 2026 pilot and planning effort that will inform full-scale implementation
Requirements
- Lead planning and execution of a cloud HPC migration initiative, retiring BOS and SAN on‑premise environments and transitioning compute and data to AWS
- Execute a CryoEM pilot to validate the cloud HPC migration approach under end-of-life constraints
- Establish a confirmed, executable migration plan including workflow mapping and data migration strategy.
- Deliver a shovel-ready proposal for executive endorsement, funding, and resourcing aligned to research AI strategy
- Prepare program for mobilization through formal stage gate governance (feasibility, scope, readiness validation)
Key Responsibilities
Program & Delivery Leadership
- Own end-to-end planning and delivery of the 2026 pilot and planning phases
- Structure and manage an integrated project plan across pilot, planning, and proposal stages
- Ensure alignment to stage-gate checkpoints and readiness criteria
DTE Partnership & Technical Alignment
- Operate in a co-lead model with the DTE technical lead, combining project management rigor with technical leadership
- Ensure tight alignment between:
- Technical solution design and architecture (DTE lead)
- Program execution, governance, and delivery (Project Manager)
- Coordinate day-to-day execution jointly with the DTE lead, ensuring:
- Clear ownership across technical and business teams
- Alignment on scope, timelines, and dependencies
- Rapid escalation and resolution of blockers
- Act as a key bridge between engineering teams, research stakeholders, and leadership
Technical & Domain Coordination
- Collaborate cross teams to define:
- Workflow mapping
- Data migration and organization strategy
- Target cloud architecture and standardized environment
- Translate technical concepts into clear, actionable plans and executive-ready messaging
Stakeholder & Governance Management
- Partner with research, security, and engineering teams to define:
- Non-negotiable enterprise requirements
- Research-specific exceptions
- Security remediation boundaries
- Drive cross-functional alignment and facilitate decision-making forums
- Provide clear, leadership-level status reporting (progress, risks, decisions required)
Risk & Dependency Management
- Identify and manage risks related to:
- End-of-life infrastructure timelines
- Data migration complexity
- Security and compliance requirements
- Establish mitigation strategies and escalation paths
Executive Communication & Funding Support
- Develop executive-facing materials to support:
- Investment decisions
- Resource planning
- Alignment to enterprise AI strategy
- Ensure clarity on business value, trade-offs, and readiness
Required Experience & Skills
Core Project Management
- 8+ years managing complex, cross-functional technology programs
- Strong experience with structured delivery (stage gates, governance, risk management)
Domain Expertise
- Experience with high performance computing (HPC) environments or
- Experience with AWS cloud platforms and migration programs
- Experience in infrastructure modernization or on-prem to cloud transitions strongly preferred
Technical Acumen
- Ability to engage effectively with engineering teams on:
- Compute environments and workloads
- Data migration strategies
- Cloud architecture concepts
- Comfortable operating at the intersection of research computing and enterprise technology
- Ability to perform high-level requirement gathering with research and HPC stakeholders during early planning phases
- Experience capturing and structuring business and technical requirements to inform solution design and migration planning
Leadership & Collaboration
- Proven experience working in a paired delivery model with technical leads or architects
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to drive alignment across technical and business stakeholders
- Experience operating in ambiguous, planning-phase or POC-driven initiatives
Benefits
About Zifo:
CURIOSITY DRIVEN, SCIENCE FOCUSED, EMPLOYEE BUILT. Our culture is unlike any other, one where we debate, challenge ourselves, and interact with all alike. We are a curious bunch, characterized by our passion to learn and spirit of teamwork. Zifo is a global R&D solutions provider focused on the industries of Pharma, Biotech, Manufacturing QC, Medical Devices, specialty chemicals and other research-based organizations. Our team’s knowledge of science and expertise in technology help Zifo better serve our customers around the globe, including 18 of the Top 20 Biopharma companies.
We look for Science – Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology etc. We possess scientific and technical knowledge and bear professional and personal goals. While we have a “no doors” policy to promote free access within, we do have a tough door to walk in. We search with a two-point agenda – technical competency and cultural adaptability.
We offer a competitive compensation package including accrued vacation, medical, dental, vision, 401k with company matching, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
If you share these sentiments and are prepared for the atypical, then Zifo is your calling!
Zifo is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.