Project Manager, Scientific Operations

American Heart Association•Dallas, TX

51d•Remote

About The Position

Since its founding in 1924, the American Heart Association (AHA) has significantly reduced cardiovascular disease deaths and continues to work towards overcoming health challenges. The AHA is seeking a passionate individual for a Project Manager, Scientific Operations role, specifically with the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI)®. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity, with current funding set to expire on March 1, 2027, though it may be extended. The position is home-based. The PTFI® is part of Sustainable Food Systems @ Heart, an AHA innovation portfolio dedicated to transforming food systems for human and planetary health. PTFI® is a science-to-action initiative co-managed by the AHA, focused on building scientific infrastructure, translational tools, and capacity to characterize food quality using standardized multi-omics tools, data, and training. It aims to map food quality based on diverse components like macronutrients, micronutrients, and specialized metabolites across global food systems. PTFI’s vision is to empower stakeholders in food, agriculture, and health with data-driven solutions for healthy food from sustainable food systems. The AHA provides resources for work-life harmonization, including access to Heart U (an award-winning corporate university) and additional training and support. The organization emphasizes a culture where employees are seen, heard, and valued.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, public health, biological or chemical sciences, agricultural sciences, data science, or related field.
3+ years of experience in participating in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects.
Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Experience in contracting.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional teams in a global environment.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent process management and organizational skills.
Proficiency in computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Google Drive (including Google Docs), database management, and ability to learn new software applications as appropriate.
Ability to be dynamic, detail-oriented, multi-task, and re-prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel up to 10% local and overnight stay.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or public health field.
Global experience.
Knowledge of food composition analysis, food systems research, and data science.

Responsibilities

Serve as a core operational role within The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI), supporting the coordination and scaling of the PTFI Global Lab Ecosystem.
Work closely with the Senior Program Manager of PTFI’s Global Lab Ecosystem to support the growing global network of laboratories contributing to PTFI through engagement, logistics, contracting, and coordinating.
Support Senior Program Manager, Global Lab Ecosystem with contract execution and management as well as other agreements for PTFI with collaborating labs, vendors, and service providers.
Monitor approval status, route for signatures, and monitor timelines for contracts and agreements.
Maintain excellent time management and communication skills with both internal and external partners to meet project deliverables and deadlines.
Support shipping and logistics of onboarding new PTFI labs including generating shipping labels, coordinating with companies and labs, and monitoring progress.
Co-create newsletters, educational materials, and ecosystem alerts as appropriate.
Work closely with PTFI Senior Program Managers for managing internal communications and externally on various media platforms.
Perform various administrative tasks, including maintaining project documentation.
Support project teams on meetings and logistics such as planning and coordinating virtual and in-person meetings and education, which may include booking of venue, meeting and travel logistics, meal planning, agenda management, meeting minutes documentation, meeting evaluation and follow-up.

Benefits

Competitive base salary
Annual salary planning and incentive programs
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution
Employee assistance program
Employee wellness program
Telemedicine
Medical consultation
Professional Development (Employee Resource Groups, professional mentoring program, Heart U national online university)
Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees (increasing with seniority)
12 paid holidays off each year, including several days off at the end of the year
Tuition Assistance