Program Director - Head & Neck Surgery

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Surgery division is dedicated to advancing oncologic surgery through safe, high-quality, multidisciplinary patient care, research, and education. The division is composed of 10 specialized academic departments and includes surgeons, advanced practice providers, researchers, and administrative professionals. The Research Program Manager will work closely with partners across the institution, particularly Perioperative Services and Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine to support research operations and strategic initiatives. The Research Program Manager plays a critical role in coordinating complex translational and clinical research activities that support the division's mission. UT MD Anderson is one of the world’s leading centers focused exclusively on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Through innovative clinical research and multidisciplinary collaboration, UT MD Anderson advances discoveries that improve outcomes for patients and communities worldwide. The Research Program Manager will contribute to strategic research growth, operational excellence, and scientific advancement across a dynamic academic healthcare environment. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Biology, extensive experience managing translational and clinical research programs, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated expertise in scientific program development, research administration, clinical research oversight, financial management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders. The successful candidate will be adaptable, strategic, and comfortable addressing evolving research challenges and opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., life sciences, public health, health administration, or related discipline).
Five years Project/program management experience.
Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Biology
Extensive experience managing translational and clinical research programs
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated expertise in scientific program development
Research administration
Clinical research oversight
Financial management
Collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders
Adaptable, strategic, and comfortable addressing evolving research challenges and opportunities
Master’s Degree Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or related field or PhD in one of the natural sciences or medical degree
Eight years Project/program management experience to include supervisory experience.
With preferred master’s degree, four years scientific or experimental research experience to include one year as a project manager.
With preferred PhD or Medical degree, two years scientific, experimental or related clinical specialty experience.

Responsibilities

Develop strategic and tactical plans supporting ongoing research activities and long-term programmatic initiatives
Lead multidisciplinary and multi-investigator research programs across institutional and external partners
Coordinate development and implementation of multi-institutional consortium networks and collaborations
Establish and strengthen relationships with institutional, departmental, and extramural collaborators
Analyze operational processes and implement workflow optimization strategies to improve efficiency and productivity
Monitor active research projects and maintain systems tracking deliverables, milestones, and timelines
Develop and oversee systems, policies, and procedures supporting clinical and translational research protocols
Coordinate advisory boards, planning committees, retreats, and collaborative research meetings
Serve as liaison to pharmaceutical companies, community physicians, partner institutions, and sponsoring agencies
Participate in departmental and institutional committees and present program initiatives as assigned
Oversee pre-award and post-award management of grants, contracts, clinical studies, and research programs
Direct development and submission of complex NIH, CPRIT, institutional, and philanthropic funding applications
Prepare integrated scientific, administrative, and supporting grant application documents
Review, edit, and revise funding applications, progress reports, and research communications for compliance and accuracy
Develop grant timelines, reporting schedules, progress tracking systems, and compliance monitoring tools
Prepare presentations, strategic plans, business plans, reports, and research documentation
Coordinate RPPR submissions, progress reports, no-cost extensions, closeout activities, and sponsor documentation
Serve as liaison between investigators, institutional offices, and sponsoring agencies
Identify funding opportunities supporting strategic extramural and philanthropic initiatives
Coordinate clinical research protocols from development through activation and ongoing study conduct
Collaborate with research and regulatory teams to submit protocols and regulatory documents to oversight entities
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, Good Clinical Practice standards, and federal regulations
Monitor enrollment activity, study progress, reporting timelines, compliance requirements, and operational milestones
Develop and maintain quality assurance systems supporting regulatory compliance
Support audit readiness and maintenance of required regulatory documentation
Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations, GCP guidelines, eligibility requirements, and disease processes
Develop, manage, and monitor proposal budgets, award budgets, financial reports, projections, and reconciliations
Conduct budget analyses and provide recommendations regarding resource allocation and financial planning
Collaborate with investigators and finance teams on budgetary decisions affecting research programs
Coordinate financial tracking, cost center oversight, invoicing, and research-related financial activities
Ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor financial guidelines and requirements
Serve as a consultant and lead project teams as needed
Provide operational oversight and supervision of assigned personnel
Coordinate workload prioritization and operational assignments across research support staff
Facilitate communication among research, clinical, regulatory, and administrative teams
Develop and deliver education regarding administrative, operational, and quality requirements
Support onboarding and training activities related to research administration and clinical study operations
Coordinate educational initiatives for research personnel
Communicate institutional policies and procedures through formal and informal methods
Attend departmental meetings, continuing education programs, and other assigned engagements
Complete special projects, reports, and additional duties as assigned

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
Paid holidays
Wellness
Childcare
Other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
Voluntary retirement plans
Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.