Meet Jennifer Giddings – Sr. Program Manager at Argonaut
What’s a day in the life of a Program Manager like at Argonaut?
“As a Program Manager, my day is filled with client interactions,” Jennifer explains. “Our team is responsible for staying in touch and communicating with all of our clients, so a typical day includes a lot of meetings and coordination with both internal and external teams.”
Jennifer Giddings works primarily on the Life Sciences side of Argonaut’s business, where her team of five to six project managers collectively support dozens of clients. From small startups conducting feasibility studies to commercial-stage companies sustaining production of research-use-only (RUO) & in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, Jennifer’s role is all about helping projects stay on track. “It’s fast-paced, and no two days are ever the same.”
How does your work contribute to Argonaut’s mission?
Jennifer’s team plays a crucial role in helping clients resolve technical issues that could otherwise derail timelines. “We work very closely with clients’ technical teams to troubleshoot problems, especially during early builds. We make sure projects stay on schedule, and that’s key to getting life science products into the hands of researchers who are waiting for them.”
While many of the products her team supports aren’t intended for patient use, their contribution to applied research can be profound. “End users of our client’s products include research hospitals and universities that depend on their products to launch studies. Keeping those timelines intact enables them to move their science forward.”
What do you find most fulfilling about your role?
“For me, it’s the moment a product ships,” Jennifer Giddings says. “There’s so much effort and coordination that goes into every project, sometimes months to years in the making, seeing it all come together and helping a client reach their goals is the most rewarding part.”
Her initial background in tech transfer gave her exposure to a narrow piece of the process, but project management offered her the full picture. “I wanted to see the project from beginning to end—from defining what the client wants to watching it go out the door. Now I get to be part of every step.”
“We work very closely with clients’ technical teams to troubleshoot problems, especially during early builds. We make sure projects stay on schedule, and that’s key to getting life science products into the hands of researchers who are waiting for them.”
What are some challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?
“Timelines are always a challenge,” Jennifer Giddings says. “Everyone would like their product as soon as possible, but we also must maintain strict quality standards. Our job is to balance those two priorities without compromising either.”
She often works with suppliers, third-party contractors, and internal teams to identify alternatives that meet requirements faster, shaving time off the schedule without sacrificing quality. “We’ll look at ways to shorten lead times, prioritize projects, and even identify alternate materials or processes where possible. It’s a collaborative effort across departments.”
How did you get into this field?
Jennifer Giddings joined Argonaut nearly a decade ago as an intern. “I started in the lab, then moved to tech transfer, and eventually into project management about six years ago,” she shares. “Argonaut has been my home since the beginning of my career.”
She earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and always knew she wanted to work in biotech. “Like a lot of people, I got into this field because I wanted to make a difference and be part of something meaningful.”
“End users of our client’s products include research hospitals and universities that depend on their products to launch studies. Keeping those timelines intact enables them to move their science forward.”
What do you enjoy outside of work, and how does that influence your professional life?
Jennifer enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and three rescue dogs. “Traveling gives me a broader perspective and exposes me to new cultures and ideas, which I find helps me stay open-minded and adaptable in my professional life. It also recharges me creatively, especially when I’m solving complex problems or working on collaborative projects. Spending time with my family and pets keeps me grounded and reminds me of the importance of balance. It helps me return to work with a clear mind and renewed focus, which ultimately makes me more productive and present in my role.”
What advice would you give someone considering a career in biotech?
“Be flexible and ready to learn,” Jennifer advises. “Every project is different. You need to stay adaptable, communicate well, and problem-solve quickly. The more you expose yourself to different aspects of the process, the better you’ll be at managing them. You also need to find a mentor to help grow your career, and for me that was Robert Cook.”
What’s next for you at Argonaut?
“I’m excited to keep growing here,” she says. “There’s always a new challenge around the corner, and I love being part of a team that’s constantly learning and improving. I want to continue helping our clients succeed—and continue growing along with them.”
“End users of our client’s products include research hospitals and universities that depend on their products to launch studies. Keeping those timelines intact enables them to move their science forward.”
Argonaut is a leader in life sciences and IVD contract manufacturing services with over 100K square feet of manufacturing facilities and has produced more than 4.2M kits since 2016 with Jennifer Giddings’ involvement in many of these. No other life science, diagnostic, or drug product contract manufacturing organization (CMO) offers broader scale, more flexibility and faster speed to market with lower risk, and less capital expenditures.
Discover how Jennifer Giddings’ expertise can elevate your manufacturing processes—reach out to us today to learn more!
