Sr. Associate Scientist (Program Manager)

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The Senior Associate Scientist (Program Manager) supports the Scientific Director in managing all aspects of the grant making and management processes within a Research Program. This includes multiple grant mechanisms, each with distinct features and policies and participating in planning new research funding opportunities. Under the direction of the Scientific Director, the Senior Associate Scientist (Program Manager) has primary responsibility for managing programmatic aspects of the application and review processes. This position also assists the Scientific Director with management of a portfolio of grants, and constituent relationships with scientific volunteers, stakeholders, and grantees. In addition, the Senior Associate Scientist (Program Manager) interfaces with all the Discovery Pillar departments as well as the ACS Regional staff to ensure seamless operation of the research program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Peer review of Research Grant Applications

• Manages all aspects of the confidential peer review process and distribution of grant applications in assigned Research Program
• Manages the assignment of applications to the appropriate program based upon required expertise for review
• Ensures that accurate application information is maintained in appropriate databases
• Partners with the Scientific Director in the recruitment of new reviewers. With input from SD, identifies and recommends distinguished scientist reviewers for membership on Peer Review Committees (term and ad hoc). Works with Scientific Director to extend invitations and finalize the PRC
• Supports external scientific reviewers through the review process, including use of grant review website (e.g. proposal Central)
• Facilitates use of all departmental operational systems for peer review. Create agenda and rosters, organize, and distribute all working documentation needed for peer review meetings
• Plans and manages dates, times, agenda details for peer review meetings
• Manages processes to ensure that critiques are edited on a timely basis and provided to all grant applicants along with information regarding funding potential
• Employs critical thinking, problem solving, and thoughtfulness to support and enhance the peer review process
• Participates in all Peer Review Committee meetings within the Scientific Program and assists as needed and when feasible in other Extramural Discovery Science peer review meetings

Grants Portfolio Management

• Manages activities required for the stewardship and administration of active grants
• Processes grant modifications as allowed by ACS policy, including no-cost extensions, change of institution
• Manages information, deliverables, and communications in the Post Award Management System related to their program
• Supports Impact and Engagement team in ongoing portfolio evaluation by securing appropriate data to track grantee productivity including publications, presentations, promotions, awards, and other metrics
• Participates in and supports new program development activities; participates with SD in drafting new Requests for Applications relevant to assigned Scientific Program
• Interfaces with Discovery Operations team who build applications in proposal central, post information on cancer.gov, release information to potential applicants
• Interacts with Discovery Operations team to identify policy inconsistencies and leads efforts for policy changes and modifications.

Constituent Relationship Management with extramural scientific community

• Develops and maintains of a strong professional working relationship with potential applicants and all grantees in the active portfolio. Must define and execute strategies to engage with grantees within the program
• Leverages professional relationship with portfolio grantees to assist the Research Engagement Manager and Regional staff
• Utilizes online platforms (i.e., Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TheoryLab, etc.) to build relationships with potential applicants, current and former grantees in their respective program and interface with the research community
• Serves as a well-informed and highly responsive primary point of contact for applicants