Scientific Program Manager

Rocket Companies • Detroit, MI

3d

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 builds strategic relationships with researchers, advisors, and partner organizations to advance the Foundation’s mission.

The position manages assigned research awards throughout their full lifecycle, evaluates scientific progress and project outcomes, supports grant administration and budget oversight, analyzes the research portfolio, and contributes to research priorities and Requests for Applications. It also supports Scientific Advisory Board activities, represents the Foundation externally, convenes collaborative forums, and helps plan scientific meetings and events.

The Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity and equity in Detroit. The Foundation supports research toward eradicating NF1 and invests in wealth-building opportunities and efforts to reduce systemic barriers for Detroit residents.

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, guide 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 scientific-community stakeholders.
• 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.

Benefits

• Eligible team members receive health benefits and other perks intended to support their health and well-being and that of their families. The description refers applicants to the Foundation’s full Benefits and Perks list but does not specify individual benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level