Department
About the Department
Job Summary
The Scientific Program Manager supports the development of cloud-based data platforms for biomedical research by understanding the current and future scientific use cases of the platforms’ users and leading the development of innovative solutions. Building upon an understanding of research objectives, data, and software capabilities, the SPM will guide engineering, scientific, and administrative teams to create synergy, leading the planning, alignment, prioritization, and confluence across multiple projects in accordance with the CTDS mission. This responsibility includes working with technical staff to translate research ideas into use cases, user stories, and implementable epics and tasks, and working with software developers, architects, and other technical directors on program and product deliverables. Part of this role includes contributing to the solution of complex research challenges as part of a team science effort by serving as PI, Co-Investigator or Key Personnel for projects which may include leading and/or implementing strategic departmental work.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.
Responsibilities
Leads the development of data sharing platforms using knowledge of research objectives, data, and software capabilities across projects and across engineering and scientific teams.
Identifies, drives, and leads prioritization of departmental vision, technical tasks, and deliverables in collaboration with and on behalf of the Center Director, while managing scope of projects with reasonable flexibility to drive scientific goals.
Creates synergy among multiple projects and the associated engineering, scientific, and administrative teams in accordance with CTDS mission.
Advocates for priorities and manages expectations with technical and scientific staff and executives internally and externally.
Anticipates internal and external research and project challenges that impact the Center and relevant research communities and recommends process, product, or service improvements to and with internal and external stakeholders.
Represents projects and/or program by serving as the key point of contact for relevant program and product communications with various clients, stakeholders, consortiums, team members, collaborators, sponsors, subcontractors, vendors, and other participants.
Manages multiple, sometimes competing, priorities for technical features / enhancements through coordination of subject matter experts and other managers and, where applicable, direct management of resources.
Executes program and project processes, policies, and procedures through coordination and collaboration with program and product staff and senior leadership.
Champions technical and non-technical initiatives to integrate product strategic plans into program, project, and product deliverables, working closely with sponsored award key stakeholders.
Serves as scrum master with engineering teams, identifying, and leading process improvements, for the agile project management framework, and creates required artifacts.
Leads the coordination of proposals, contracts, contract renewals, negotiation of contract clauses, including CFR/FAR clauses, security and compliance reviews, contract deliverables and related tasks.
Leads the coordination of reporting of program documentation and deliverables, but not limited to project plans, identification of risks, and other project planning documents and related activities.
Manages and mentors’ professional employees and is accountable for the performance and results of a team within own discipline.
Leads other to solve complex problems, providing expertise to the team which includes scientists and clinicians from the University and nationally.
Provides expertise to identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions. Provides expertise to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.
Manages research professionals and support staff involved with planning, monitoring, and compliance aspects of research projects. Advises other researchers on long-range plans for research projects.
Develops goals and operating procedures, practices, and guidelines for research activity based on department strategy.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.---
Work Experience:
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
PhD in a computer science, engineering, biology, or other quantitative discipline highly preferred.
Experience:
Domain experience in biomedical informatics or genomics.
5+ years of client management experience.
Experience leading cross-functional teams, either directly or indirectly.
Experience leading software development programs, projects, and/or products (especially SaaS), either directly or indirectly.
Familiarity with tools like Atlassian Jira/Confluence and/or other project management software tools.
Experience managing or working on federally funded projects/programs, or projects/programs funded by a grant, federal contractor, or OTA.
Experience working with software and data releases (open-source software experience strongly preferred).
Grant and scientific or technical writing experience.
Experience with information security regulations like FISMA, FedRAMP, or NIST.
Preferred Competencies
Ability to lead teams to solve complex problems and propose innovative solutions.
Ability to participate in complex team science projects, work effectively with other organizations, and represent and advocate for the Center.
Familiarity with data science.
Ability to learn about cloud computing and software development.
Ability to learn about information security, compliance, and privacy.
Ability & willingness to seek new information and learn more in new and existing areas of expertise.
Ability to gain the trust of management and key stakeholders in order to gain the authority to successfully coordinate the programs, products, and teams to execute goals.
Program management knowledge, including a demonstrated ability to manage own time well and achieve objectives.
Ability to take a broad plan or proposal and break it into smaller projects and oversee the execution of each project.
Knowledge of cloud computing research platforms and products and complex biomedical IT programs.
Strong analytical abilities, especially with respect to administrating information system programs.
Ability to learn and teach new technical content areas and new skills quickly and well.
Ability to prioritize multiple program and project requirements and independently follow through with details to ensure timely delivery.
Working Conditions
Hybrid home/office setting.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
FLSA Status
Pay Frequency
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Benefits Eligible
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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