Director, Scientific Programs &Translational Partnerships

Job Summary:

 The Director of Scientific Programs and Translational Partnerships will serve as the senior scientific leader responsible for the execution of the research program. The Director, reporting to the Constellation Professor, maintains an active role in the design and execution of highly technical experimental research while overseeing scientific operations, personnel, project management, multidisciplinary collaborations, education, and translational activities. The Director will also have the opportunity to develop an independent externally funded research program that complements the strategic research mission.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate (ex: Ph.D./J.D./Ed.D. or other) in Related Field
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in neuroimmunology, in vivo pharmacology and new technology development
  • Experience should include a minimum 10 years of experience leading multidisciplinary global collaborative research projects

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate (ex: Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D. or other) in neuroimmunology
• Experience supervising and mentoring researchers and scientific staff
• Experience liaising with industry partners, biotechnology companies, and other external collaborators
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific presentations, grant writing, technology transfer, and regulatory/compliance requirements

 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate scientific discoveries into research priorities and organizational goals
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence diverse stakeholders across scientific, clinical, and administrative disciplines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of translational research, technology commercialization, and intellectual property management
• Skill in developing competitive research proposals and communicating scientific findings to diverse audiences
• Ability to mentor and develop scientific talent while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research environment

Representative Job Duties:

• Lead the day-to-day management and coordination of multidisciplinary scientific research projects, develop independent research projects and ensure successful execution of the research strategy, priorities, milestones, and objectives
• Direct research operations by overseeing project planning, personnel, laboratory resources, budgets, timelines, regulatory compliance, and reporting to ensure efficient and high-quality research delivery
• Supervise and mentor research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, students, and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing research environment
• Coordinate the development and implementation of research plans, monitor project progress, and ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, ethical, and regulatory requirements
• Support the preparation and management of competitive grant applications, progress reports, and scientific documentation, while assisting with post-award administration and project management
• Design, execute, and direct highly technical experimental re