Research Program Project Manager - Nanomedicine

Overview We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Research Program Manager to lead and coordinate all operational and strategic efforts for the DART Resource Program. The DART (Dissemination of Ultra-Long-Acting Antiretroviral Release Technology) Resource Program is an NIH NIAID R24-funded center dedicated to making the NanoDDI drug delivery technology available for research in preclinical models. The successful candidate will be the central point of contact for the DART program, managing the synergistic execution of its objectives: 1) outreach and dissemination, 2) technology deployment and user integration. This role aims to establish NanoDDI as an essential tool and resource for the research community. Key Responsibilities Programmatic management for the DART Outreach and Dissemination Develop and manage outreach initiatives to engage with the research community, including organizing presentations at scientific meetings, creating and maintaining the program website, and planning and conducting webinars/workshops. Serve as the primary liaison for the DART Program and manage communication with investigators interested in utilizing the NanoDDI technology. Technology Deployment and User Integration Oversee the standardized workflow for deploying the NanoDDI into independent user laboratories, ensuring seamless integration to meet specific research needs. Coordinate with the initial cohort of users and manage the selection process for subsequent users based on established prioritization metrics. Collect and analyze user feedback and research outcomes to optimize the deployment process and enhance outreach efforts. Coordinate activities to broaden the applicability of the NanoDDI by expanding its portfolio of compatible drugs, including new small molecule ARVs and broadly neutralizing antibodies. Manage the execution of preclinical studies to verify target release rates for new drug formulations. Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills The manager must be adept at building and maintaining relationships with a diverse network of investigators and clearly communicate the DART Program mission. The manager will act as the primary liaison to ensure continued and effective Program execution. Other Key Responsibilities Oversee all grant-related activities including progress reports, budgets, and scientific research progress in line with milestones. Coordinate meetings to track research progress, including PIs, co-investigators, Veterinarian Scientific Advisory Board, and other program personnel. Budget, lab and personnel organization in the context of overall research goals. Oversee manuscript preparation, editing and submissions. Follow up with collaborators. Manage the execution of MTAs and NDAs. Coordinate laboratory technical staff to execute projects. Oversee IACUC and chemical protocols status and amendments. Assist with equipment acquisition and troubleshooting. Provide interface between PIs, laboratories and users. Core Criteria for a Successful Candidate The ideal Research Program Manager will possess a specific set of skills and qualifications to ensure the DART program's success and impact. Exceptional Project Management Expertise : Manage synergistic, concurrent aims of the project, including timelines, resources, deliverables, and risk mitigation for complex, multi-stakeholder research projects. Advanced Scientific Acumen : A strong background in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biomedical engineering, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, devices, long-acting drug delivery) to engage in technical discussions, understand program nuances, and help with data interpretation. Grant Management and Reporting : Experience with federally funded grants, particularly NIH resource-related mechanisms (e.g., R24), is highly desirable. Responsible for tracking program metrics, budgets, and progress reports. Program Oversight and Growth : Ensure adherence to high standards of research conduct and build new partnerships to advance program goals. Essential Functions PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinates discussions between collaborators to promote effective idea transfer and maintains positive working relationships, keeping collaborators informed of updates. Serves as a liaison between multiple client groups and stakeholders, communicating results clearly and providing progress reports. Contributes to improving department scores for employee engagement. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinates with CMP staff for emerging GLP device studies. Assists in preparing and coordinating business development materials and activities, supports ongoing outreach, pilot programs, and project management, and helps write SOPs and regulatory documents. Maintains and provides in-services for the HM Faculty Start-Up Guide. Coordinates with internal offices such as technology transfer, legal, grants and contracts, and business practices. QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Maintains organized records of collaborative projects and participants for reporting purposes. Coordinates elements required to translate pre-clinical safety studies in support of medical devices. FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Defines plans to achieve deliverables with measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely goals. Manages project information and documentation from concept to completion, including regulatory and milestone records. Coordinates with grants and contracts, legal, IACUC, radiation safety, and other offices for financial and regulatory needs. Uses resources cost-effectively and demonstrates self-motivation to manage time and prioritize tasks. GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Develops an inventory of support mechanisms for faculty startups, such as elevator pitches, market analysis, accounting, IT, and incubator space. Identifies self-development needs and maintains ongoing development planning. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise duties as needed. Equal Opportunity Employer. Education & Experience EDUCATION Bachelor's degree Master's or terminal degree preferred WORK EXPERIENCE Three years of experience in a health center (academic or clinical) LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: N/A PREFERRED: Portfolio Management Professional (PMP) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrates the skills and competencies to perform the job safely, with ongoing assessments and evaluations. Proficiency in English for essential functions, especially regarding safety or security. Effective communication with patients, physicians, families, and coworkers in a customer-focused manner. Strong presentation and relationship-building abilities. Analytical and interpersonal skills; strong project and time management. Advanced spreadsheet skills and strong word-processing/presentation capabilities. Resourcefulness, independent action, and judgement; ability to solve problems and meet objectives. Professional handling of confidential information; adaptability to changing demands. Supplemental Requirements WORK ATTIRE Business professional: Yes Uniform/Scrubs: No Other: No ON-CALL *Note: On-call requirements may apply during emergencies. On Call: No TRAVEL Travel specifications may vary by department. May require travel within the Houston metropolitan area Yes; outside area No. Company Profile Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees Education and Research Institutes, supporting research programs and infrastructure to bring discoveries to patients. Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr