Manager, Cancer Research and Training

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Uses advanced operational concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Primarily deals with programs and proposals with broad impact across the function, research initiative, program and / or organization. Develops and oversees the implementation of new programs and processes. The Manager reports to the Director of Administrative Programs and manages a portfolio of programs and activities at the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) that support cancer research and training initiatives. This includes the following. Training and Education • Provide strategic oversight of the education, training and workforce development portfolio across the cancer career continuum (from high school to faculty levels) spanning basic, translational, clinical and population science. • Oversee development, implementation and continuous improvement of cancer- focused education and training initiatives, including experiential summer training programs for high school students, undergraduate research training, faculty leadership and mentorship development programs, and educational activities such as journal clubs, seminars, symposia, lectures and workshops. • Identify gaps in the training pathway and lead development of new initiatives to address these gaps. • Coordinate education and training activities across the Cancer Center, to ensure integration with the three Research Programs, eight Shared Resource units, the Community Outreach and Engagement Office and the Sue & Ralph Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials & Research. • Engage faculty, trainees and institutional partners to expand participation and strengthen interdisciplinary training opportunities. • Ensure education, training and workforce development activities align with Cancer Center strategic priorities, NIH expectations, and NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) requirements. Research Oversight and Support • Oversee programs and initiatives that support cancer research activities, support services, research development, training grants and collaborative funding opportunities. • Manage cancer-focused training and research funding mechanisms, including T32 programs, R25 initiatives, ACS-IRG, ACS-DICR and related research support services. • Facilitate development of programs and resources that support research activities, support services, and collaborative and multidisciplinary cancer research funding proposals. • Oversee activities that strengthen research and grant competitiveness, including pilot support, mentoring structures, proposal development efforts and coordination with institutional research development service units. • Monitor program performance, funding outcomes and alignment with Cancer Center research priorities. Program Evaluation, Tracking and Outcomes Monitoring • Working with the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics team, establish and oversee systems to monitor participation, outcomes and program impact across research and training initiatives. • Oversee mechanisms to monitor trainee progression across the cancer career pipeline, including academic advancement, publications, funding success and career placement. • Analyze program metrics to inform strategic decision-making, program improvement and resource allocation. • Prepare reports and analytics for leadership, university units (e.g., Office of Research, School of Medicine, etc.) advisory committees and external funding agencies, including documentation supporting NCI CCSG and training grant reporting requirements. These are mandatory components of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and are vital to NCI’s continued designation to the CFCCC. The NCI designation has a vital reputational and financial impact for CFCCC, UCI and UCI Health. Adherence to the guidelines of the CCSG is mandatory and involves ongoing monitoring of the organization for structure, direction, and fiscal management. All decisions at the CFCCC are taken within the context of the CCSG requirements.

Requirements

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across UCI and the Health System (e.g., with leadership, faculty, staff and students).
Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
Must possess the skill, knowledge, and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
Advanced knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs (e.g., Microsoft Office and Adobe).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of leadership, faculty and staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Advanced program and project management skills.
Thorough knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures. Knowledge of pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements of the University of California, State, Federal, and other external agencies.
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes and maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload to meet deadlines.
Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques. Advanced ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data, to prepare with strong attention to detail, sound and relevant proposals and analysis.
Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills. Strong ability to apply and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic research environment, medical center, community non-profit setting, or other large matrix organization.

Nice To Haves

7 years of experience in higher education is required, within the UC system.
Minimum of 5 years of experience with large multidisciplinary, multi-component research grants (e.g., Cancer Center Support Grant).
Minimum of 5 years of prior experience leading or supervising a team in a matrix environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight of the education, training and workforce development portfolio across the cancer career continuum (from high school to faculty levels) spanning basic, translational, clinical and population science.
Oversee development, implementation and continuous improvement of cancer- focused education and training initiatives, including experiential summer training programs for high school students, undergraduate research training, faculty leadership and mentorship development programs, and educational activities such as journal clubs, seminars, symposia, lectures and workshops.
Identify gaps in the training pathway and lead development of new initiatives to address these gaps.
Coordinate education and training activities across the Cancer Center, to ensure integration with the three Research Programs, eight Shared Resource units, the Community Outreach and Engagement Office and the Sue & Ralph Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials & Research.
Engage faculty, trainees and institutional partners to expand participation and strengthen interdisciplinary training opportunities.
Ensure education, training and workforce development activities align with Cancer Center strategic priorities, NIH expectations, and NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) requirements.
Oversee programs and initiatives that support cancer research activities, support services, research development, training grants and collaborative funding opportunities.
Manage cancer-focused training and research funding mechanisms, including T32 programs, R25 initiatives, ACS-IRG, ACS-DICR and related research support services.
Facilitate development of programs and resources that support research activities, support services, and collaborative and multidisciplinary cancer research funding proposals.
Oversee activities that strengthen research and grant competitiveness, including pilot support, mentoring structures, proposal development efforts and coordination with institutional research development service units.
Monitor program performance, funding outcomes and alignment with Cancer Center research priorities.
Working with the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics team, establish and oversee systems to monitor participation, outcomes and program impact across research and training initiatives.
Oversee mechanisms to monitor trainee progression across the cancer career pipeline, including academic advancement, publications, funding success and career placement.
Analyze program metrics to inform strategic decision-making, program improvement and resource allocation.
Prepare reports and analytics for leadership, university units (e.g., Office of Research, School of Medicine, etc.) advisory committees and external funding agencies, including documentation supporting NCI CCSG and training grant reporting requirements.