Director of Research Project Management
The Jackson Laboratory
Summary
Working within the Laboratory, the Director, Research Projects will have primary responsibility for administering and managing the implementation of assigned JAX Programs. The incumbent will oversee both JAX's work in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external institutions. Implementing projects and training teams, the Director of Research Projects holds a key role within the organization, overseeing and guiding the execution of research initiatives. This individual is responsible for managing a portfolio of research projects from inception through to completion, ensuring that they meet the strategic objectives and deliver meaningful results.
Job description
Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)
- Develop and implement project plans, including timelines, collaboration on budgets, and resource allocation. Monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure that research projects adhere to quality standards and organizational goals.
- Lead and mentor a team of researchers and project managers. Foster a collaborative environment and provide guidance to enhance team performance and professional development.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including JAX finance, academic partners, funding agencies, and industry experts. Maintain effective communication to align research activities with stakeholder expectations and requirements.
- Contribute to the development of the organization's research strategy. Identify emerging trends and opportunities and make recommendations for new research initiatives that align with the organization's objectives.
- Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources, including financial, human, and technical assets. Ensure that research projects are delivered within budget and on schedule.
- Ensure that research activities comply with relevant regulations, ethical standards, and best practices. Address any issues related to research integrity and data management.
- Prepare and present regular reports on project status, outcomes, budget and impact. Evaluate project performance and implement improvements based on feedback and lessons learned.
- Drive continuous improvement in research processes and methodologies. Encourage innovation and the adoption of best practices to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of research activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (What you're good at)
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (PhD preferred).
- Extensive experience in research project management, including experience in a leadership role.
- Proven track record of successful project delivery, with strong skills in planning, execution, and evaluation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
- Computer skills necessary for analyses, data acquisition, literature searches, data sharing, report presentations.
- Ability to formulate and write reports, including those needed for grants and peer reviewed papers.
- Clear concise, accurate and intelligent reports - reports produced upon demand.
- Ability to drive documented process improvements across research and scientific services.
Requirements
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (PhD preferred)
- Extensive experience in research project management, including experience in a leadership role
- Proven track record of successful project delivery, with strong skills in planning, execution, and evaluation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail
- Computer skills necessary for analyses, data acquisition, literature searches, data sharing, report presentations
- Ability to formulate and write reports, including those needed for grants and peer reviewed papers
- Clear concise, accurate and intelligent reports - reports produced upon demand
- Ability to drive documented process improvements across research and scientific services
- Doctorate Degree Required/Preferred
- Experience: 8 years required/ 10 years preferred
- Supervisory: 8 years required/ 10 years preferred
Company overview
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution founded in 1929 in Bar Harbor, Maine. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, JAX specializes in discovering precise genomic solutions for disease and empowering the global biomedical community to improve human health. With nearly 3,000 employees across 11 locations worldwide, including facilities in Maine, Connecticut, California, Japan, and China, the organization operates with a substantial $628 million annual budget. JAX maintains a diverse research portfolio encompassing cancer, aging, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, computational biology, and rare diseases. The laboratory is renowned for providing over 13,000 strains of genetically specialized mice to more than 2,400 organizations in 68 countries, making it the world's leading source for mouse models. Additionally, JAX hosts the Mouse Genome Informatics database and offers comprehensive educational programs for scientists at all career stages, contributing to at least 26 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine through its research, resources, and educational initiatives.