Program Coordinator, Cancer Research and Training

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Program Coordinator supports a portfolio of programs and activities at the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) that advance cancer research and training initiatives. Reporting to the Manager, Cancer Research and Training, the Coordinator assists with implementation, coordination, administration, tracking, monitoring, and evaluation of education, training, and research support programs aligned with Cancer Center priorities. The role uses seasoned professional judgment and analytical practices to address complex, diverse issues and may develop programs, policies, or procedures for possible implementation. The position coordinates education, training, and workforce development spanning the cancer career continuum, from high school students to faculty, across basic, translational, clinical, and population science. It supports initiatives such as experiential summer programs, undergraduate research training, faculty leadership and mentorship development, and educational activities including journal clubs, seminars, symposia, lectures, and workshops. The Coordinator works with faculty, trainees, institutional partners, Cancer Center research programs and shared resources, and relevant outreach and clinical research units to strengthen participation and interdisciplinary opportunities. The Coordinator also provides administrative and operational support for cancer research programs, training grants, research development, and collaborative funding opportunities. The position contributes to research and grant competitiveness through coordination of pilot support, mentoring, proposal development, and institutional research development services. It monitors participation, outcomes, funding, trainee progression, and program impact, and prepares reports and documentation for leadership, university units, advisory committees, and external funding agencies. These activities support NCI Cancer Center Support Grant requirements, which are mandatory to the CFCCC's NCI designation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.
A minimum of 4–6 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic research environment, medical center, community nonprofit setting, or other large matrix organization.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across UC Irvine and the Health System with leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
Customer service skills appropriate to the job.
Knowledge and skills essential to performing assigned duties.
Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific computer applications, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe.
Strong English communication and interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication with all levels of leadership, faculty, and staff.
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols, and procedures.
Knowledge of pertinent University of California, state, federal, and external-agency policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Strong skills in analyzing, researching, and synthesizing large amounts of data to prepare sound proposals and analyses, with strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, ability to multitask under demanding timeframes, and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining an appropriate work pace.
Experienced program and project management skills, strong analysis techniques, and demonstrated attention to detail.
Must provide proof of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional certification, Lean Six Sigma certification, or similar certification.
4–6 years of experience in higher education, preferably within the UC system.
4–6 years of experience with large multidisciplinary, multi-component research grants, such as a Cancer Center Support Grant.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and administer education, training, and workforce development programs across the cancer career continuum and across basic, translational, clinical, and population science.
Support development, implementation, and continuous improvement of cancer-focused education and training initiatives, including student programs, faculty development, and educational events.
Collect and organize program information to identify gaps in training pathways and coordinate initiatives to address them.
Coordinate training activities across the Cancer Center and integrate them with research programs, shared resources, community outreach, and clinical trials and research units.
Engage faculty, trainees, and institutional partners to expand participation and interdisciplinary training opportunities.
Help ensure education, training, and workforce development activities align with Cancer Center strategic priorities, NIH expectations, and NCI CCSG requirements.
Administer and coordinate programs and initiatives supporting cancer research, research services, research development, training grants, and collaborative funding opportunities.
Assist with cancer-focused training and research funding mechanisms, including T32 programs, R25 initiatives, ACS-IRG, and ACS-DICR.
Coordinate logistics and provide administrative support for research resources and collaborative, multidisciplinary funding proposals.
Support activities that strengthen research and grant competitiveness, including pilot support, mentoring structures, proposal development, and coordination with institutional research development service units.
Track and monitor program performance, funding outcomes, and alignment with Cancer Center research priorities.
Maintain systems for monitoring participation, outcomes, and impact across research and training initiatives.
Coordinate data collection and documentation to track trainee progression, including academic advancement, publications, funding success, and career placement.
Organize program metrics to inform improvement and decision-making.
Prepare reports, summaries, and documentation for leadership, university units, advisory committees, and external funding agencies, including NCI CCSG and training grant reporting.