Program Manager, Translational Research Initiative

About Us:

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients, and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine, an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You:

You are an experienced Program Manager with a passion for science and technology, and a demonstrated ability to build collaborative teams of academia and government laboratory researchers to address the Department of War’s (DoW’s) operational challenges. You understand the importance of applying transdisciplinary approaches to tackling these challenges and the need for early and frequent engagement with operators, industry, and DoW stakeholders.

Position Overview & Responsibilities:

The Program Manager, Translational Research Initiatives will lead the development and execution of a new program on Translational Research Initiatives for a new-DoW sponsored S&T Center planned for the Fall of 2026. This program will foster collaborative academic/DoW laboratory research teams to address the DoW’s operational challenges. This position will also conduct workshops, forums, and analytics studies to define the challenges and conduct community-building activities, to connect the teams to public and private transition partners, and to coordinate research activities with approved allied partners. The ideal candidate has experience in a broad range of scientific topics and technologies, demonstrated scientific program management experience, and deep knowledge of the DoW innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage a translational research program for collaborative teaming between academia and government laboratory researchers to address the Department of War’s (DoW’s) operational challenges
• Conduct outreach activities to define research challenges
• Solicit and review white papers, shape team composition and technical direction, as needed during project execution
• Promote collaborative team dynamics through periodic site visits, reviews, and forums that connect teams to other performers, as well as public and private stakeholders
• Connect results to partners for transition/evolution to solutions
• Leverage deep expertise in the DoW innovation ecosystem to identify and develop partnerships across academia, industry, and government agencies

This position is contingent upon contract award, with performance anticipated to begin on or about September 1st, 2026

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Master’s degree or higher in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math)
• 10+ years’ experience in managing and executing foundational research programs for the DoW
• Leadership positions in DoW research laboratories
• Experience in forming research teams across academia and DoW research laboratories
• Experience in developing strategies for technology transition to government and industry
• Technical experience over a broad range of scientific topics and technologies, especially mathematics, materials, quantum, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, and space
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-million-dollar budgets
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and communication skills to ensure clear, accurate information and effective collaboration
• Strong commercial and technology awareness with the ability to identify and develop opportunities, especially in the Federal government space

Desired Education, Certification, Skills, and Capabilities:

• PhD degree or higher in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math)
• Experience in role of technical advisor, chief, or director for DoW R&D programs
• Experience leading dual-use technology development
• Demonstrated experience in engagements with deep-tech industry to transition technology
• Excellent interpersonal skills, working both independently with initiative and collaboratively.
• Manage and prioritize diverse job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
• Excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Primary Work Location: Work will be performed in Arlington, VA, with the option for remote work in accordance with the Hybrid Work & Telecommuting Policy and based on mission requirements.

Security:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Special Work Conditions:

• Possible travel to other CONUS locations.
• Occasional work outside of corporate core business hours.

Salary Range: $190,000 - $200,000 annually

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

To learn more about VT-ARC’s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at hr@vt-arc.org

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