Advertising Summary:
The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, is seeking a Program Manager to support and advance a portfolio of grant‑funded research initiatives. Serving as a central operational partner to the program leader, the Program Manager translates scientific and strategic priorities into effective execution by coordinating assay and sample workflows, managing Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) pipelines, and ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
Unit: School of Dentistry
Department: Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Program Manager provides the structure, continuity, and project oversight that enables the program leader to focus on scientific direction, partnerships, and long‑term strategy. The Program Manager will oversee timelines, meetings, deliverables, and compliance requirements while proactively identifying gaps or bottlenecks to maintain project momentum.
This is a grant‑funded (restricted) position, and continued employment is contingent upon ongoing external funding.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Research Project & Program Management
- Lead day‑to‑day coordination of research activities, including assay workflows, sample tracking, and data‑related processes.
- Manage MTA/NDA pipelines and ensure proper documentation, routing, and compliance.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and tracking systems across multiple research initiatives.
- Identify operational gaps, risks, or delays and implement solutions to maintain progress.
- Coordinate Institutional Review Board (IRB) related tasks and support protocol submissions, amendments, and continuing reviews.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Provide general administrative and project support to the research team.
- Manage calendars, meetings, agendas, and correspondence with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
- Coordinate program operations, stakeholder communication, and cross‑team alignment.
- Make operational and programmatic decisions that support strategic objectives and research goals.
Grant, Budget, & Fiscal Oversight
- Support budget tracking, financial reporting, purchasing and procurement activities.
- Assist with travel and expense reimbursements in accordance with VCU policies.
- Maintain audit‑ready documentation and ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
Stakeholder & HR Coordination
- Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external collaborators.
- Facilitate meetings, prepare summaries, and track action items.
- Coordinate with the VCU School of Dentistry Human Resources office on HR‑related matters, including onboarding and visa processing for research personnel.
- Support onboarding and training of students, research assistants, and project staff.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of relevant professional experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Experience with purchasing, expense tracking, and basic fiscal oversight.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and handle confidential information.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster 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 working in an academic or university research setting, particularly with a science or biomedical background.
- Familiarity with research compliance, IRB processes, and grant administration.
- Experience supporting scientific or clinical research projects.
- Knowledge of research data systems (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) is a plus.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000
Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Restricted Position: Yes
ORP Eligible: Yes
Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully on site
University Job Title: Program Manager
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Kevin Byrd
Contact Email: [email protected]
