Senior Scientific Director

American Chemical Society•Atlanta, GA

3d•Remote

About The Position

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled. Develop and manage a portfolio of grant opportunities across the continuum of Cancer Research. The portfolio may include projects in cancer drug discovery, the genetics and genomics of tumor models, and translational science leading to clinical or implementation research. The Director will represent the Research Department as liaison to Division staff, and provide expert information, education and communication about cancer and the American Cancer Society’s Research and Training Program to a variety of constituents. This role will strategically coordinate with other ACS departments, and external agencies regarding extramural research and training activities and provide regular communications regarding research outcomes of their portfolio. This is remote position ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Program and Strategic Development (20%) The Senior Scientific Director will lead the design and execution of research strategies and initiatives that advance mission-critical cancer research priorities. This includes overseeing research programs, guiding a team with a defined scope and resources needs, creating frameworks and impact measures, managing risk and contingency planning, and ensuring timelines align with departmental goals. Program Oversight (15%) Manage Requests for Applications (RFAs) related to Program, as necessary. Lead or participate in the development or presentation of conference programs or sessions that support existing grant programs or specific areas of research and training or provide opportunities for ACS funded researchers to meet, interact and collaborate. Act as a scientific and organizational resource for the Extramural Council, Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice President for Extramural Research. Peer Review (50%) The Senior Scientific Director will oversee all functions of the Career Growth and Research Program, including managing 3-4 peer review committees. Responsibilities include recruiting qualified volunteer scientists and health professionals, advising on Council member selection, coordinate and reporting outcomes of biannual Peer Review Committee (PRC) meetings, maintain communication with applicants and providing funding recommendations to the Council. Program Communication and Dissemination (15%) The Senior Scientific Director will communicate grant policies and procedures to researchers and institutional officials, while managing the programs' grant portfolio. This is achieved through establishing and maintaining relationships with the grantees, advising on project modifications, monitoring progress, and highlighting high-impact discoveries. Additionally, the incumbent will synthesize and communicate scientific information about cancer for internal and external constituents, e.g., the public, the media, and donors.

Requirements

Doctorate MD and/or PhD or equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant areas required.
Previous experience in scientific or program management including Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor academic level or equivalent in public or private research institutions is required.
Significant experience in performing peer review, establishing and leading peer review committees.
Strategic Leadership & Problem-Solving – Synthesizes complex information, anticipates future research possibilities, and develops scientific breakthrough strategies.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management – Balances diverse stakeholder needs and builds strong internal and external networks.
Team Building & Engagement – Creates high-performing, motivated teams and fosters a collaborative environment.
Accountability & Trust – Holds self and others accountable while instilling confidence through integrity and authenticity.
Scientific Expertise & Communication – Deep knowledge of preclinical/translational cancer research; strong written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to engage lay audiences.
Operational & Technical Skills – Experienced in program development, project management, nonprofit operations; proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to proprietary systems.
Regular travel required
Work is normally performed in a standard office environment
No or limited physical effort required
No or little exposure to physical risk

Nice To Haves

Doctorate

Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of research strategies and initiatives that advance mission-critical cancer research priorities.
Oversee research programs, guiding a team with a defined scope and resources needs, creating frameworks and impact measures, managing risk and contingency planning, and ensuring timelines align with departmental goals.
Manage Requests for Applications (RFAs) related to Program, as necessary.
Lead or participate in the development or presentation of conference programs or sessions that support existing grant programs or specific areas of research and training or provide opportunities for ACS funded researchers to meet, interact and collaborate.
Act as a scientific and organizational resource for the Extramural Council, Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice President for Extramural Research.
Oversee all functions of the Career Growth and Research Program, including managing 3-4 peer review committees.
Recruit qualified volunteer scientists and health professionals, advising on Council member selection, coordinate and reporting outcomes of biannual Peer Review Committee (PRC) meetings, maintain communication with applicants and providing funding recommendations to the Council.
Communicate grant policies and procedures to researchers and institutional officials, while managing the programs' grant portfolio.
Establish and maintain relationships with the grantees, advising on project modifications, monitoring progress, and highlighting high-impact discoveries.
Synthesize and communicate scientific information about cancer for internal and external constituents, e.g., the public, the media, and donors.

Benefits

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits.

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