Scientific Program Manager Research CoordinatorS

Working/Functional Title

Scientific Program Manager

Position Summary

The Plant Resilience Institute (PRI)at Michigan State University (MSU)seeksa collaborative and scientifically engagedScientificProgram Manager toprovide strategic leadership for the Institutes portfolio of center grants and major research to the Director theScientificProgram Manager works closely with faculty researchers students external partners and stakeholdersto develop interdisciplinary initiatives strengthen scientific collaborations and expand the Institutes impact.

TheScientificProgram Manager serves as the primary resource forthe PRI faculty oncoordinating the lifecycle ofcenter grantsled by PRI faculty includingsupportingthe development of new center initiatives to overseethe successful implementation evaluation renewal and closeout of existing centers. This position collaborates closely withScientificProgram Managersof individual center initiatives Principal Investigators and Institute administrative staff to ensure center activities are aligned with strategic priorities and sponsor expectations.

This position is grant-funded; therefore the initial appointment is for a oneyear term and is not guaranteed to continue beyond that period. Any extension would be contingent upon operational needs and available funding.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management of Center-Level Projects

• Support PRI facultyto develop implement evaluate and sunset center grants and major institute-wide researchinitiatives.

• Coordinate the planning and development of new center proposals including facilitating collaborations among faculty administrators external partners and stakeholders.

• Coordinaterecruitment of center program managers and admin staff

• Supportprogrammanagersrunning individual center grantsto ensure successful implementation of programmatic goals milestones reporting requirements and sponsor expectations.

• Provide programmatic leadership for center grants that do not have an assignedprogrammanagerduringinitialandsunsettingstages of center projects.

• Facilitate communication among Principal Investigators collaborators advisory boards trainees funding agencies and Institute leadershiptosynergizecenter activities across PRI.

Strategic Initiatives and Scientific Partnerships

• Identifyand cultivate opportunities to expand PRIs research portfolio through new center initiatives interdisciplinary collaborations and strategic partnerships.

• Foster collaborations among faculty research centers government agenciesphilanthropicorganizationsindustry partners and other academic institutions.

• Represent PRI at university and external meetings related to center grant activities and strategic initiatives.

• Prepare briefing materials program summaries and reports for Institute leadership and funding agencies.

• Collaborate with thePRICommunications Manager on dissemination of program accomplishments and with the Business & HR ManagerFiscalOfficers of PRI budget and grants and Operations Coordinator to support successful implementation of Institute programs.

Leadership

Provides leadership and supervision for direct reports and collaborates with colleagues across the college through dotted-line relationships. Oversees workload distribution establishes performance expectations coaches and develops staff evaluates performance and administers personnel actions.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to support facilitate and coordinate daily research activities by providing guidance on the administration of compliance financial personnel and other related aspects of the research.
• Understanding and ability to strictly comply with policies and procedures of MSU the College and relevant administrative offices.
• Ability to accurately create or maintain records and documents including sensitive information preserving confidentiality.
• Ability to produce quality deliverables using Microsoft Office SharePoint HRIS and TEAMS and other job-related systems.
• Skill in critical thinking fact-finding problem analysis problem resolution and the development of concrete action plans to solve problems.
• Ability to gather analyze and present facts communicate effectively (both orally and written) using tact and courtesy and ability to plan organize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify optimize and effectively utilize resources to meet goals.
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to positive workplace culture and ethical decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and stay organized.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships influence key partners and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through completion of one or two years of post-bachelor degree work such as a Masters in the specific field of Plant Biology Plant Physiology Crop and Soil Sciences Genetics Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research methodologies writing reports supervision software data interpretation and handling in area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Unit Preferred

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology Plant Physiology Crop and Soil Sciences Genetics MolecularBiologyor a closely related discipline.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management project management research administration higher education administration orrelatedfield.
• Experience working in a research-intensive university institute or center.
• Experience developing or managing center grant proposals renewals or large interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Experiencecoordinatingor supportingfederally funded research programs or training grants.
• Experiencebuildingpartnerships with government agencies industry foundationsstakeholdersor nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managingcomplex projects involving multiple investigators stakeholders and competing priorities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin citizenship age disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter

Resume/CV

Name and contact information for two professional references

Special Instructions

For inquiries about the position contact Dr. Gaëlle Cassin-Ross at

Review of applications will begin after September 4 2026 and continue until the position has been filled.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for one year with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

eligibility ends September 1 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

Required Experience:

IC