Scientific Program Administrator, Scientific Programs and Initiatives

American Association for Cancer Research•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The AACR is seeking a candidate to support AACR’s mission and programs that are designed to drive the scientific agenda of the organization. Specifically, this position will support the Managing Director, Scientific Programs and Initiatives, who oversees AACR scientific working groups, AACR scientific achievement awards, the Fellows of the AACR Academy, and all annual AACR committee and association group appointments. One of the AACR’s strongest attributes is that it represents one of the world’s largest scientific volunteer organizations. To this end, the AACR annually convenes a variety of committees and association groups to assist with achieving the goals of the organization. These committees and association groups are formed to provide valuable support and guidance to AACR’s leadership, shaping the AACR’s Annual Meeting, and assisting with the selection of scientific achievement award and scientific research grant recipients. Such appointments also represent essential professional development opportunities for AACR members at all career levels. This position will be charged with researching and tracking established and potential committee and association group members and, as needed, will involve additional coordination of committee activities when applicable to the functions of the Executive Office. Further, this position will involve inter-departmental collaboration across AACR departments and divisions to ascertain committee and association group needs and will require the ability to consistently research and learn new scientific disciplines applicable to cancer research that represent the core focus of particular committees and/or association groups. In addition to this function, the Scientific Program Administrator of Scientific Programs and Initiatives position within the AACR’s Executive Office will be charged with assisting as needed with new and ongoing scientific programs intended to further advance cancer research across a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Such programs may arise as a result of efforts initiated through the AACR’s scientific working groups, scientific achievement awards, or Fellows of the AACR Academy. Given the responsibilities of this position, background knowledge of cancer research and/or cancer-related sciences is required. Eligible candidates must possess a high level of attention to detail as well as exceptional organizational, writing, and communication skills.

Requirements

Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant postdoctoral research experience and administrative or project management experience, preferably in the non-profit sector
Passion and commitment to cancer and cancer-related sciences
Excellence in written and verbal communications
Broad, in-depth knowledge of cancer and cancer-related sciences
Precision in terms of judgement and the ability to navigate scientifically complicated tasks
Ability to work independently and within a team environment
Ability to build, foster, and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
Capability to manage time and prioritize tasks while adapting to diverse workloads and deadlines
Precise attention to detail
Exceptional administrative and organizational skills
Desire to follow through on projects in a timely manner
Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
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
Knowledge of the scientific literature and trends in the cancer research field
Ability to travel to meetings and conferences as needed

Responsibilities

Leverage and utilize scientific expertise to support AACR’s mission and programs designed to drive the future scientific agenda of the organization
Assist with the appointment process for all annual AACR committees and association groups
Facilitate and support effective communication internally between AACR departments and divisions, as well as externally between AACR and appointed committee and association group members
Interact as needed with AACR colleagues and members to organize events ranging in size from small committee meetings to large-scale scientific programs
Communicate regularly with cancer researchers, clinicians, and physician-scientists primarily via telephone, videoconference, and email
Ensure the timely completion of assigned projects by determining priorities and tracking deadlines
Assist as needed with the preparation of agendas, proposals, and any other necessary files related to meetings and programs of AACR committees and association groups
Assist with updating and maintaining AACR committee and association group historical tracking files and associated AACR webpages
Travel to the AACR Annual Meeting, selected AACR Special Conferences, and other events as needed to implement scientific programs
Perform all essential duties and functions of the position and other related duties as assigned and as necessary