State of Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Position Summary:

The Senior Scientific Programs Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of scientific programs and initiatives within the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health. This role is critical in fostering a vibrant research environment, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing the impact of VCU's scientific endeavors. The Director will work closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to advance the institution's research mission and strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Program Development:
• Responsible for long-range strategic planning.
• Strategize with university leadership to identify organizational needs and implement appropriate research and projects.
• Propose initiatives for critical projects and work with managers to ensure deadlines, quality, and cost objectives are met.
• Oversee multiple projects and programs concurrently.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for scientific programs, aligning with the institution's research priorities.
• Identify and cultivate opportunities for new program development and expansion.
• Conduct needs assessments and feasibility studies to inform program design and implementation.

Program Management and Evaluation:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of scientific programs, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery.
• Develop and implement program evaluation metrics and processes to assess program impact and effectiveness.
• Prepare and present reports on program activities, outcomes, and recommendations.
• Collaboration and Partnership Development:
• Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and students across disciplines.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with external organizations, including government agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations and initiatives.

Grant and Funding Support:

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources.
• Provide guidance and support to faculty in the preparation and submission of grant proposals.
• Manage grant budgets and ensure compliance with funding agency requirements.

Communication and Outreach:

• Develop and implement communication strategies to promote scientific programs and initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Represent VCU at national and international scientific meetings and events.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Assume higher responsibility and authority in compliance and legal matters.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program activities.
• Supervise staff as needed.

Research and Development (R&D):

• Monitor R&D trends, experiment with and learn new technologies, and participate in internal and external engineering communities.
• Monitor new/alternative technological trends and developments and utilize resources and tools to implement changes that will strengthen the university.

Technical Insights:

• Provide technical insights and ensure an effective link between the customer/business and product development.

Innovation Management:

• Ensure all innovation activities are in accordance with organizational standards.
• Advancing strategic goals through innovative programs, services, or practices.

Budget and Compliance:

• Oversee function-wide budget and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and audits.

Training and Development:

• Identify training and development needs for direct reports and implement appropriate programs to broaden the knowledge base for team members.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

Master’s degree in a scientific discipline or related field required; PhD preferred.

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of oversight.

Five or more years of supervisory and/or leadership experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in scientific program development and management, preferably in an academic or research setting.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, and grant writing.

Strong knowledge of research funding mechanisms and regulations.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals.

Demonstrated experience with budgeting, and fiscal management.

Proven ability to lead projects, and manage teams.

Possessing a comprehensive knowledge of the service or functional area.

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in relevant research area, e.g., biomedical research, public health, engineering.

Experience working in a large, complex organization.

Experience with data analysis and interpretation.

Direct experience with organizing multi-center NIH or sponsored studies (e.g., U01).

Experience with Training Program management (e.g. T32).

Post-doctoral experience in a biological field

What We Offer:

• Mentorship from a leading expert in hepatology.
• Hands-on experience in groundbreaking research projects.
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and attend scientific conferences.
• A collaborative and supportive research environment at a top-tier institution.

Additional Information:

ORP Eligible: - YES

Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly

Title Details: Senior Scientific Program Manager

University Title: Director RS 1-3

University Code: (32411Y-32413Y)

University Job Family: Research & Innovation

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

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