Yeah, since the article specifically is titled project management not research, I assumed this was about project management for people who already have their Ph

Yeah, since the article specifically is titled project management not research, I assumed this was about project management for people who already have their PhD, i.e. are working as faculty or in a research lab. And in that environment, there are definitely project managers employed. Managing your own research is one thing -- managing projects, grant applications, dealing with institutional and funding agency paperwork are all things that most PhDs would absolutely flounder at. Should have read more closely.