Senior Program Director, Interdisciplinary Biomedical and Lifesciences Research Programs - Office of the Vice President for Research

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Senior Program Director (PD) to provide the strategic development, pursuit, support and coordination functions for university-wide, multiple-award federal, industry and/or non-profit agreements in biomedical and life sciences areas of focus. The OVPR oversees the strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU’s $700 million research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university’s academic colleges, research institutes and centers, and the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center. CMU has a significant number of strategic university-wide, multiple-award agreements with federal, industry, and nonprofit sponsors in biomedical and life sciences research, including a growing portfolio of research awards that leverage CMU’s new Biological Innovation Programmable Cloud Lab. The Sr PD will serve as a primary point of contact between the sponsors and CMU researchers/engineers to develop and secure new program tasks and to ensure smooth and timely oversight of the multi-award agreements, including planning, scheduling, and budget and risk assessment across the portfolio and throughout program life cycle. The Sr PD will identify opportunities to enhance and expand the partnerships to grow the funding and impact of these high-visibility programs. This position will initially report to CMU’s Vice President for Research, and it will collaborate closely with other groups in the OVPR and across CMU. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to leverage CMU’s multi-award agreements and partnerships to drive maximum impact and to deliver concrete outcomes. They will also demonstrate outstanding communication skills, keeping stakeholders involved and informed across multiple workstreams.

Requirements

Master's degree in science, technology, or related fields.
Strong background in biomedical and life sciences research and translation
Demonstrated mastery of project management principles and methodologies including successful implementation of projects in a complex organization
Strong analytical, organizational and team-building skills
Excellent oral/written communication skills, as well as diplomacy and a high level of professionalism
Experience managing change and process improvements in a highly decentralized environment.
Successful background check

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree in science, technology, or related field
Prior work with federal agencies, companies, and foundations
Experience in higher education or research setting
Prior experience supporting highly technical programs in computer science, AI, robotics, autonomy, and/or biological sciences

Responsibilities

Work with CMU leadership to ensure strong, proactive engagement with mission-driven federal and state agencies, companies, foundations, and non-profits in the biomedical and life sciences research areas.
Partner with CMU researchers and engineers to align project execution with research goals and sponsor expectations, facilitating successful outcomes and long-term impact.
Support the development and implementation of comprehensive project plans, defining scope, deliverables, schedule, and resource allocation tailored to the unique requirements of strategic federally funded and other high-stakes research initiatives.
Manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor financial policies, and adapting resource allocations as project needs evolve.
Build and lead cross-functional project teams, including faculty, technical staff, and administrative personnel; establish governance structures to ensure effective execution and accountability.
Track program milestones and deliverables, maintaining clear visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies to ensure timely delivery and responsiveness to sponsor needs.
Tracks budgets and performs budget risk analyses throughout life of the project.
Maintain clear and continuous communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on status, challenges, and strategic adjustments.
Create reports and presentations as needed in support of project planning and status.
Monitor shifting sponsor priorities and emerging research opportunities, adjusting plans and team focus to remain aligned with strategic goals.
Serve as a liaison between university administration and research teams, ensuring institutional support and integration across departments for sponsored initiatives.
Engage with leadership at the planning phase of new projects to identify the business needs, application requirements, and business processes that require reengineering or design to support the initiatives and projects.
Create reports and presentations as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

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