The Senior Director of Research Programs is responsible for the project management team and for overseeing project monitoring, reporting, and delivery in alignment with research strategy goals and tactics. The role provides strategic guidance to senior leadership, project managers, and research team members by ensuring the coordinated planning, execution, and evaluation of the portfolio of research programs. Reporting to the Vice President and Scientific Director at the Jackson Laboratory (JAX-NYSCF), this individual provides high-level leadership for complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion. The individual is responsible for collaborating with diverse stakeholders, leading project teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and standards. This role will be working very closely with industry partners to advance translation models such as those announced in these press releases: JAX-NYSCF Collaborative and Janssen JAX-NYSCF Collaborative and GSK announce collaboration This role is full time onsite at our NYSCFJAX-NYSCF/JAX location in New York City Key
Responsibilities
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Essential Functions
Define and drive the strategic vision for the research programs portfolio aligned with organizational goals Oversee the full lifecycle of multiple concurrent research programs, from ideation through execution and completion Develop and manage program budgets, timelines, and resource allocation Identify and mitigate program risks and resolve escalated issues Ensure programs meet scientific, regulatory, and compliance standards Drive cross-functional collaboration across departments (research administration, regulatory, finance, operations, etc.) Oversee a portfolio of concurrent project initiatives, ensuring each has defined goals, project frameworks and measurable outcomes at both the project and program levels Establish governance frameworks, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies to keep projects on track Implement KPIs and metrics to track program performance and outcomes Serve as the integrating force across internal research teams to ensure alignment and cohesion across program goals Lead program review and reporting to leadership Manage vendor and partner relationships including academic institutions, government agencies, industry, etc. Lead and mentor teams such as research directors, program managers, and scientists Requirements,
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
5+ years in a leadership role with progressive responsibility 10+ years of relevant experience Proven track record of managing large, complex research programs and cross-functional teams Strong knowledge of research design and scientific methodology High fluency in risk management, decision making and problem solving Exceptional communication skills and stakeholder management experience
Experience
managing budgets and reviewing financial reports Preferred: M.D/Ph.D in a relevant scientific field, neuroscience preferred Project Management Certification/training (PMP preferred)
Experience
with budget of $10M+ Ability to navigate matrixed environments and lead through influence
Pay Range
for this role is $182,073 - $277,662 based on total years of related experience About JAX: The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org. EEO Statement: The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws. Bar Harbor: The Jackson Laboratory's 43-acre scenic Bar Harbor campus is nestled between the Gulf of Maine and the mountains of Acadia National Park. Some of the best hiking and biking in the world (over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, views, and dramatic coastline) is accessible from our campus. We are one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, which offers a vibrant downtown district with a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries. Ellsworth: The Charles E. Hewett Center in Ellsworth, Maine, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves researchers world wide. The facility represents the culmination of nine decades of unmatched experience and leadership in breeding and caring for laboratory mice. Ellsworth, Maine, is one of Maine’s fastest growing cities. With a growth rate of nearly 20%, Ellsworth is a bustling year-round community and acts as a hub for surrounding towns. It is located nearby Acadia National Park and hosts numerous special events, concerts and festivals each year. Residents have access to fabulous shopping, recreation, museums, galleries, and dining at a variety of independent restaurants. Farmington: JAX Genomic Medicine is transforming medicine by improving patient care, lowering costs, and increasing life span and health span. JAX Genomic Medicine’s research focuses on the complex genetic causes of disease and on the development of genomic solutions tailored to each person's unique genetic makeup. JAX Genomic Medicine sits on a 17-acre site on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center. The 183,500-square-foot facility opened in the fall of 2014. Now, it houses over 300 biomedical researchers, technicians, and support staff in state-of-the-art computing facilities and laboratories. In Connecticut, JAX resides in the scenic town of Farmington, in the state’s capitol region. The Hartford region, which offers some of the best public schools in the country, is made up of both bigger cities and smaller, charming historic New England towns. JAX Genomic Medicine is also geographically located within 2 hours of Boston and New York and is close to multiple transportation systems, including bus lines, highways, railroads and international airports. Sacramento: The JAX® Mice, Clinical and Research Services facility is located in Sacramento, the state capital of California. Sacramento is less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley, and scenic Lake Tahoe, and a short flight to both Los Angeles and Orange County. Sacramento is the birthplace of the nation’s Farm to Fork movement, and offers excellent restaurants, gastro-pubs, wineries, theaters, and museums. Outdoor activities are plentiful: Boating, white water rafting, and riding the scenic bicycle trails are popular. Housing and other costs of living are more affordable in Sacramento and its surrounding suburbs than in most other neighboring areas in the North Bay, making Sacramento one of the hottest housing markets in the country year after year. Augusta: JAX’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is located in Augusta, Maine, in the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (HACCC), at Maine General Hospital. It began operations in 2016 with three overarching goals: to provide cancer genomic testing for Maine cancer patients; to develop and deliver physician education about clinical genomic cancer diagnostics; and to build a network in Maine of oncology practices conducting studies in genomic medicine.