Program Associate, Scientific Programs and Initiatives

American Association for Cancer ResearchPhiladelphia, PA

About The Position

The AACR is seeking an individual to support AACR’s mission and programs that are designed to drive the future scientific agenda of the organization. Specifically, this position will support the Deputy Director of Scientific Programs and Initiatives, who assists with the management of all AACR scientific working groups, and the Fellows of the AACR Academy. Regarding the latter, on an annual basis, the AACR coordinates a rigorous nomination and election process to identify individuals who have made major scientific contributions and who have propelled significant innovation and progress against cancer to be elected as Fellows of the AACR Academy. The AACR subsequently leverages the expertise of the global brain trust of Fellows of the AACR Academy to advance the mission of the AACR to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy and advocacy, and funding for cancer research. This position will involve assisting with the annual Fellows of the AACR Academy election process as well as facilitating involvement and engagement of elected Fellows of the AACR Academy during the AACR Annual Meeting. Additional tasks will involve updating Fellows of the AACR Academy-associated webpages and assisting with the coordination of Fellows of the AACR Academy-led initiatives as needed. Secondly, this position will be tasked with providing as needed administrative support to AACR’s scientific working groups, which function within the framework of the AACR to explore expanded research opportunities and advance discoveries that lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cancer. There are currently ten AACR scientific working groups dedicated to the following scientific disciplines: cancer evolution, cancer prevention, cancer immunology, chemistry in cancer research, hematologic malignancies, pathology in cancer research, pediatric cancer, population sciences, radiation science and medicine, and the tumor microenvironment. Annually, these groups and their associated elected leadership bodies work to nourish many facets of AACR including those pertaining to meetings, conferences, workshops, publications, scientific achievement awards, research grants, science policy and regulatory affairs, and fundraising. The Program Associate, Scientific Programs and Initiatives position will assist with the general administration of these various AACR programs on an as needed basis and in collaboration with existing Executive Office staff.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of administrative experience, preferably in a non-profit, academic, or scientific environment
  • Excellence in written and verbal communications, with meticulous attention to detail, grammar, and style
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to navigate technological software and platforms including virtual meeting platforms (i.e., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.) and project management software
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment
  • Capability to manage time and prioritize tasks while adapting to diverse workloads and deadlines
  • Exceptional administrative and organizational skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of science and medical terminology
  • Knowledge of webpage construction and content building

Responsibilities

  • Provide as needed administrative support to AACR scientific working groups and Fellows of the AACR Academy
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain AACR scientific working group and Fellows of the AACR Academy documents and historical files
  • Assist as needed with updating and maintaining webpage content applicable to AACR scientific working groups and Fellows of the AACR Academy
  • Communicate regularly with cancer researchers, clinicians, and physician-scientists primarily via telephone, videoconference, and email
  • Assist with social media communications pertaining to AACR programs and initiatives relevant to AACR scientific working groups and Fellows of the AACR Academy
  • Assist with scheduling and coordinating events held in-person or via Zoom/Microsoft Teams
  • Assist with the coordination of logistics related to housing, travel, and registration for members attending conferences, meetings, and think tanks organized in collaboration with AACR scientific working groups and the Fellows of the AACR Academy
  • Assist with processing reimbursements, honoraria, and invoices related to AACR program activities.
  • Maintain distribution lists and contact databases to ensure accurate communication with members.
  • Assist in tracking metrics, participation data, and outcomes for scientific working groups and Fellows of the AACR Academy
  • Perform all essential duties and functions of the position and other related duties as assigned and as necessary
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