Senior Director of Texas Research Strategy & Partnerships

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Houston, TX

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Alzheimer’s Association is seeking a dynamic, mid to established career scientist to advance Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research strategy across Texas. This individual will serve as a scientific leader, convener, and connector—bringing together universities, research institutions, hospitals, and public and private partners to accelerate impactful research, including the effective implementation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) priorities in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association. The ideal candidate combines scientific credibility with strategic thinking, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. They will be highly collaborative, energetic, and comfortable engaging diverse interested parties across academic, clinical, nonprofit, and government settings. This role requires regular statewide travel to participate in meetings, convenings, and partnership-building activities.

Requirements

PhD in neuroscience, public health, biomedical sciences, or a related field required. Applicants with an MD and relevant research experience are also encouraged to apply.
7–10+ years of research, clinical research, or research administration experience in neurosciences, with a preference for neurodegenerative, including Alzheimer’s or related disorders and aging, research experience
Demonstrated experience working with academic, biotech, clinical, or research institutions on collaborative strategies and program implementation/ activation
Proven ability to build partnerships and lead cross-organizational initiatives
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills
Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Texas

Nice To Haves

Experience with state-level research initiatives or public-private partnerships
Experience convening multidisciplinary stakeholders or leading collaborative networks
Experience in nonprofit, foundation, or research funding environments

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Alzheimer’s Association leadership and Texas interested parties to develop and implement strategies aligned with DPRIT and Association priorities.
Identify and advance opportunities for collaboration with Texas institutions and the Alzheimer’s Association that accelerate dementia research, prevention, and care innovation across Texas.
Translate scientific goals into actionable programs, partnerships, and initiatives.
Convene, facilitate and participate in health science related meetings, workshops, and cross-sector forums among universities, health systems, research centers, and community partners across the state of Texas.
Build and maintain strong relationships with Texas health sciences community, including academic investigators, institutional leaders, biotech, clinicians, and policymakers.
Identify DPRIT/Alzheimer's Association collaborative opportunities for multi-institutional collaborations, joint proposals, and shared infrastructure and implement these opportunities proactively.
Serve as a trusted scientific liaison representing the Alzheimer’s Association statewide on health sciences related collaboration/program, including related to DPRIT.
Provide scientific insight and subject matter expertise to inform strategy, funding priorities, and program design.
Monitor emerging trends in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and recommend innovative approaches, specifically as they relate to opportunity within DPRIT.
Support alignment of DPRIT and/or Alzheimer’s Association research investments with community and health system needs.
Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, funders, and community interested parties.
Represent the Alzheimer’s Association at conferences, institutional meetings, and other statewide events.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture among partners.