Scientific Program Officer

Position Title: Scientific Program Officer

Reports to: Associate Director, Research

Location: Remote

Background

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the world’s leading non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research. Over the past 25 years, the LRA has invested over $260 million in lupus research in nearly 600 research and clinical studies. More recently, the LRA established an affiliate organization, Lupus Therapeutics (LT), which is responsible for the coordination, conduct and management of a North American-based clinical trial consortium, the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN). Importantly, the LRA recently updated its research strategic plan developing a 5-year roadmap for the organization. The new strategy calls for the implementation of several new funding mechanisms and strategies that the Scientific Program Officer will be involved with.

Position Overview

The Scientific Program Officer will play a key role in planning and managing the Lupus Research Alliance’s research grants and collaborative projects. The incumbent will contribute to determining programmatic priorities and funding levels, as well as track research progress of funded grants. This role is responsible for preparing analyses of research requirements and coordinating related committees and programs. This position will liaise with scientists from academia, industry, and government agencies to drive LRA’s research mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop new research funding mechanisms with a strong translational emphasis envisioned by the LRA’s new research strategic plan
• Plan and manage the review of grant applications, including preparation of requests for applications, summary statements, budget oversight, and assisting in grant activations
• Communicate with researchers to provide information appropriate to the grant application and review process
• Monitor and evaluate ongoing research grants and contracts, including establishment of guidelines for determining progress and impact of these programs. Assess scientific progress reports and assist in evaluating program impact and determining program priorities
• Plan and help convene focused scientific meetings and conduct appropriate post-meeting follow-up including manuscript writing
• Manage collaborative projects with academia and industry
• Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of the LRA by understanding the strategic priorities of the research department and being a key driver of their implementation
• Follow and develop standard research procedures and maintain records to comply with regulatory requirements
• Ensure that the confidentiality and data privacy/security of all information is maintained
• Participate in both internal and external stakeholder meetings. Develop and deliver presentations as required and provide input and suggestions to other departmental presentations and meetings
• Perform other research-team related functions in support of a hands-on, highly productive team in support of department and organizational goals, as required

Required Credentials & Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent
• Minimum of five years of work experience—preferably in industry or research funding organizations—following the attainment of the highest degree awarded
• Experience and/or strong working knowledge in clinical research and/or data science is required
• Expertise in immunology is strongly preferred
• Proficiency in developing scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, and budgets
• Grants management experience is a plus
• Candidates are expected to have a high level of proficiency in general business applications including Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate with scientific peers and the public.
• Detail-oriented, strong organizational skills, and an enthusiasm for handling diverse assignments

• Effectively able to work across projects, establish priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment; highly efficient in time management and can meet deadlines under pressure
• Team player who can build excellent working relationships both internally and externally
• Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills

The Lupus Research Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/orientation/preference, class or socioeconomic status, marital status, age, ability, or Veteran status.

Salary : $100,000 - $110,000