Director of Translational Research Operations
About The Position
The Institute for Immunology and Immune Health (I3H) at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Director for the Translational Research Unit to connect scientific research with business and commercial goals. This senior leader will develop operational workflows for routine scientific outputs, manage budgets, oversee projects from conception through completion, and collaborate across teams to translate complex scientific deliverables into reliable operational pipelines that support financial sustainability, scientific integrity, and professionalism. The Director will manage Translational Research Unit staff and develop and implement strategic objectives aligned with Immune Health’s broader goals. The role includes supporting service-center financial management and growth; improving robustness, quality, and efficiency throughout the sample lifecycle; collaborating on service rates and billing oversight; establishing quality-assurance and quality-control protocols and digital chain of custody for samples; and serving as the primary contact for internal and external investigators. The position calls for experience in organizational growth, change leadership, and building effective teams, preferably in biomedical science, as well as exceptional communication and relationship-building skills and the ability to represent the organization locally, nationally, and globally. The position is contingent upon funding.
Requirements
- A Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience, a Master of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience in organizational growth, change leadership, and building high-functioning teams in a biomedical science environment.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to represent the organization at local, national, and global levels.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in immunology is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Manage operations and scientific staff, set and monitor goals, address performance challenges, and oversee hiring and onboarding for Translational Research Unit staff.
- Develop business and product strategies and align the Translational Unit’s goals and strategy with the overall goals of Immune Health.
- Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop updated service rates, oversee service billing, and provide quarterly reports detailing expenditures and revenue.
- Serve as the contact for internal and external investigators interested in the Unit’s services, ensuring clear communication during study planning and onboarding.
- Establish and oversee QA and QC protocols for each service; ensure data is routinely recorded, organized, and stored; and create and oversee project trackers.
- Identify and propose improvements to quality, robustness, and efficiency throughout the sample lifecycle in collaboration with the Assistant Directors of Processing and Platforms.
- Lead the conceptual development and maintenance of the client-facing website and develop internal- and external-facing tracking systems for clinical cohorts and services with the data infrastructure team.
- Collaborate with the Director of R&D to develop and implement new services, partner with communications staff on marketing materials, and draft and negotiate MOUs for external partners.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, and for dependent children at other institutions.
- Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
- Substantial time away from work during the year.
- Long-term care insurance options for eligible employees and family members.
- Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
- Professional and personal development resources.
- Access to University resources and cultural and recreational activities, including libraries and athletic facilities.
- Discounts and special services, including arts and cultural offerings, transportation, and other goods and services.
- Flexible work options and hours.
- Forgivable home-ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
- Adoption expense reimbursement for eligible employees, for up to two adoptions in the household.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
