Senior Scientific Program Administrator

American Association for Cancer Research • Philadelphia, PA

3d

About The Position

The AACR is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Scientific Program Administrator to support the Department of Professional Development. This role involves collaborating with leading experts across the cancer research enterprise to design, manage, and deliver high-quality scientific and professional development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a background in cancer or related bioscience research (basic, translational, clinical, and/or population science) and a demonstrated ability to manage complex scientific programs. This position works closely with Professional Development team members, AACR leadership, and external stakeholders to oversee deliverables, foster innovation, and advance cancer research through career development initiatives for investigators at all career stages. The Professional Development Department supports the AACR mission by fostering the career advancement of cancer researchers at all stages through promoting professional growth through essential skill training, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives. The Scientific Program Administrator will collaborate with leading cancer researchers worldwide and internal departments to formulate and deliver professional development offerings and member-facing career advancement resources.

Requirements

• PhD in cancer, bioscience, or a related field, or equivalent advanced scientific training and professional experience.
• 3-5 years of postdoctoral training or equivalent professional experience in a relevant area is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of motivation with excellent judgment and well-developed analytical abilities.
• Proven organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, demonstrating adaptability and initiative
• Strong professional and interpersonal skills, including working effectively in a team setting with AACR colleagues, members, and leaders, as well as external professionals.
• Precise attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to following through on projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multi-stakeholder collaborations, committee coordination, or large-scale cancer science initiatives is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Word Press, Open Water, Salesforce platforms a plus.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems and virtual, on-demand training and in-person and virtual scientific meeting planning and management a plus.
• Command of a second language a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in developing programmatic goals, objectives, and deliverables relevant to AACR member professional development and career advancement needs and interests.
• Managing and tracking multiple deadlines across projects, proposal submissions, reviews, reports, and meetings.
• Maintaining sustained interaction with external scientific leaders and internal teams (marketing, publishing, finance, meeting logistics, etc.) to ensure seamless program execution.
• Overseeing the preparation of records, reports, webpages, and writing detailed meeting minutes. Maintaining accurate and organized repositories for all professional development program activities.
• Supporting specific projects such as grants development and administration, developing data standards, facilitating data sharing strategies, or contributing to scientific publications and white papers.
• Drafting presentations, correspondence, and remarks on behalf of scientific directors and leaders, and serving as a liaison for stakeholders.
• Providing high-level administrative and operational support, including scheduling and stakeholder coordination.
• Managing websites, databases, and social media platforms; may oversee support staff as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director Professional Development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree