Research Program Operations Mgr

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, the Director of Research Program Operations provides strategic and mentoring support to the research programs of the Division at The Miriam Hospital and other affiliated sites as needed. The position directly supports the research mission of the Division, including facilitating the research trajectories of early career investigators, and supporting strategic planning for established research programs of the Division.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Oversight:

Lead the administration, execution, and continuous development of the research programs of the Director of Division of Infectious Diseases, select mid-career faculty, and early-stage investigators within the Division to support investigator, program, and Division growth.

Support Strategic Planning activities - development, implementation, and evaluation.

Ensure continued alignment of the Divisional strategic plan with research priorities at the project, program, department and organizational levels.

Manage high-level operational aspects of grants and programs, coordination with research administration, compliance with federal and institutional policies, and program execution.

Serve as a primary liaison to the Departmental Research Administrator as needed to coordinate with Brown University Health Office of Research including Grants and Contracts, Research Finance, and Research Protections.

Work with Division Director to provide ongoing training, guidance, and professional development opportunities for research faculty and staff.

Work with the Director to develop Divisional research strategic planning activities (e.g. research retreat) for faculty and senior staff members.

Directly mentor and train early-career investigators and relevant staff members regarding institutional and external grant-funded research and implementation.

Research Operations:

Collaborate in the financial planning process, including developing accurate financial projections and managing program budgets for selected investigators and the Director, Division of Infectious Diseases in coordination with Department and Office of Research.

Facilitate and support investigators engaged in multi-site research collaborations and research networks.

Assist in pre- and post-award planning with investigators and collaborators.

Program Evaluation & Reporting:

Collaborate with the Director and evaluation teams to establish measurement frameworks for research program success, tracking progress against established milestones and objectives.

Work with faculty and senior leadership to gather and analyze data on program performance, providing regular reports on program outcomes and impact.

Research Grant Support:

Support early-career investigators with scientific and administrative planning for successful team science initiatives, and development of scientific/research strategy for grant proposals.

Coordinate with the Departmental Research Administrator and Office of Research to manage the submission process for external grants for selected investigators and Division Director.

Communication & Outreach:

Develop and implement communication strategies for research programs of the Division.

Maintain clear communication with all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, collaborators, and external partners, ensuring alignment on goals, progress, and expectations.

Collaborative Partnerships:

Foster collaboration between internal teams and external institutions, facilitating joint and multi-site research projects, partnerships, and cooperative agreements.

Foster collaborative work with external academic and governmental research partners and community groups, ensuring effective communication and project execution.

Administrative Support & Operational Efficiency:

Continuously improve administrative infrastructure for research programs, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and supporting operational improvements.

Act as an internal consultant for early-stage faculty by assisting in the development of processes and tools that result in measurable operational improvements.

Serve as a resource, guide, and mentor for Divisional Project Directors on implementing best practices for research project operations and administration.

Develop administrative infrastructure for large program grants held by Division Director (e.g., CFAR)

Assure mentorship programs are running efficiently and serving the needs of trainees and early-career investigators

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

Master's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.

10+ years of experience in research management, direction, and administration, including operational responsibilities in a grant-funded research environment.

Strong background in managing large-scale research programs and collaborating with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Knowledge of financial management related to research operations, with the ability to analyze complex financial reports and assist in budget forecasting.

Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, with experience managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Experience working with Institutional Review Boards (IRB), research compliance, and federal funding agencies is preferred.

Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data management, and basic statistical analyses is an asset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position is primarily office-based but requires some physical activity, including walking, standing, and navigating stairs. Some travel may be required.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Demonstrated ability to function autonomously and independently while maintaining a team-oriented approach to leadership of research program.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY AND TEAM COLLABORATION:

Directly supervises up to 10 administrative and research staff members ensuring their professional growth and ensuring smooth coordination of daily operational task and indirectly oversees the activities of 20-50 faculty, staff, and trainees, depending on the size and scope of research programs at any given time.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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