Lead, Special Research Programs and Communications

Hackensack Meridian Health•Nutley, NJ

About The Position

The Lead, Special Research Programs and Communications at HMH Center for Discovery and Innovation oversees the development, coordination, and promotion of specialized research initiatives. The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

Requirements

PhD or advanced degree in a relevant field.
Minimum of 10 years or more years of experience in translational research.
Proven experience in grant writing, proposal development, and securing funding for research projects.
Demonstrated ability to project manage large-scale programs involving multiple academic and commercial partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for conveying complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience in strategic planning and programmatic development within a research-intensive environment.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and ethical considerations (knowledge of IACUC, Biosafety and IRB) related to research programs.
Ability to foster collaborative relationships and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Leads the conceptualization, development and implementation of special research programs aligned with the institution's strategic objectives.
Coordinates with internal stakeholders, academic collaborators, and commercial partners to establish and manage multi-partner projects.
Acts as a liaison between the administrative team at CDI and other partners in implementing legal and other administrative agreements.
Oversees the entire lifecycle of research programs, including generation of progress reports, timeline adherence and milestone achievement.
Assists in preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals to secure funding for special research initiatives.
Develops funding strategies and cultivate relationships with funding agencies, foundations, and industry partners to support programmatic goals.
Develops and executes comprehensive communication strategies to enhance the visibility and impact of special research programs as well as coverage of overall CDI`s research portfolio.
Creates engaging content for various platforms, including but not limited to website updates, marketing materials and newsletters, highlighting program achievements and outcomes.
Organizes and oversees scientific research meetings, conferences and symposiums, ensuring they are well-planned, executed, and aligned with organizational objectives.
Serves as a spokesperson for the institution in promoting research programs to internal and external stakeholders.
Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.