Scientific Program Manager

Rocket Mortgage•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Scientific Program Manager oversees a portfolio of scientific programs and research investments supporting the Gilbert Family Foundation’s Curing NF priorities. The role provides scientific leadership across funded projects, manages program deliverables and outcomes, and develops strategic relationships with researchers, advisors, and partner organizations to advance the Foundation’s mission. The position manages the lifecycle of assigned research awards, evaluates scientific progress, supports grant administration and portfolio strategy, and contributes to research priorities and Requests for Applications. It also supports Scientific Advisory Board activities, represents the Foundation at external engagements, and convenes collaborative forums and scientific meetings that advance Curing NF objectives.

Requirements

Advanced scientific or medical degree with training in biomedical sciences.
Direct experience in drug discovery, preclinical development, clinical studies, or a related area of biomedical research.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific progress against defined objectives and communicate findings clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Strong interpersonal, stakeholder-management, written communication, and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience convening and aligning multiple stakeholders around complex goals and outcomes.
Prior grantmaking, foundation, or philanthropic program experience.
Experience overseeing research grants or contracts.
Experience in Neurofibromatosis, rare disease, or a related field of biomedical research.
Experience managing program or research budgets.

Responsibilities

Manage the full lifecycle of assigned research awards, including kickoff, progress monitoring, reviews, amendments, and scientific closeout activities.
Evaluate scientific progress, provide guidance to investigators, and assess project outcomes against established objectives.
Partner with internal stakeholders on grant administration, financial reviews, budget oversight, and data-sharing requirements.
Conduct portfolio analyses, identify emerging scientific opportunities, and contribute to research priorities and Requests for Applications (RFAs).
Collaborate with other Scientific Program Managers and cross-functional partners to advance portfolio strategy and maximize impact across programs.
Support Scientific Advisory Board activities by preparing insights, recommendations, and scientific updates.
Develop and maintain relationships with grantees, advisors, investigators, partner organizations, and other key stakeholders in the scientific community.
Represent the Gilbert Family Foundation at scientific conferences, meetings, site visits, and other external engagements.
Convene and facilitate working groups and collaborative forums to strengthen coordination among funded programs and research teams.
Collaborate on planning and executing scientific meetings and events that promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and advancement of Curing NF objectives.