Scientific Program Manager (52885)

Position Objective: The Scientific Program Manager shall provide scientific and programmatic support to the NINDS Division of Neuroscience, especially the Movement Disorders and Neurodegeneration Cluster (MDN), for management of a complex grants portfolio and related initiatives for National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) within the National Institutes of Health. The Scientific Program Manager shall apply neuroscience expertise to assess applications and awards for scientific merit, mission fit, and NOFO responsiveness; conduct portfolio analyses; prepare summaries, briefings, figures, and reports; advise investigators and staff on program priorities and policy requirements; and coordinate workshops, meetings, and cross-NIH activities. Duties include stakeholder engagement, grants oversight, and support for planning, implementation, and evaluation of high-visibility MDN programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop research plans for new projects.
• Design and support analysis of questionnaires, surveys, protocols, informed consent documents, training manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and database management systems.
• Coordinate and document projects from beginning to completion; monitor and report the status of completion, funding and results attained; provide progress reports.
• Provide research management and analytic support for a range of major projects, including development of research protocols, coordination of large scientific initiatives, designing and developing survey data collection instruments, developing computerized systems for data collection, reviewing and editing analytic databases.
• Perform a variety of quantitative and qualitative assessment and evaluation activities involved in collection, organization, analysis, preparation, processing and reporting of scientific information.
• Collaborate with staff on the planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of programs and initiatives in the assigned specialty area of research.
• Prepare data summaries, manuscripts, professional presentations and patient educational materials.
• Spearhead compilation, analysis and organization of scientific, program and related information; and develop and/or lead data analysis/ dyadic data analysis.
• Oversee all data management activities and development of data files for internal and external use as necessary.
• Create both internal and external materials in the form of reports, summaries, emails, website content, video scripts, newsletters and
• social media.
• Develop periodic and special reports and procedures; search records and files, the internet, background materials and precedent references.
• Plan, initiate, monitor and conduct administrative/portfolio analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in meeting established goals.
• Review and summarize materials and data; gather and coordinate information for review; conduct data entry and file maintenance; edit and/or prepare text, data and charts.
• Attend and participate in multidisciplinary research team meetings and functions.
• Prepare briefing materials and summaries of meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Use science writing skills to extract science themes and priorities during multidisciplinary science meetings.
• Prepare for a variety of information exchanges with public and private sector science colleagues working on research, programs, and policy related to research program priorities.
• Attend review, scientific, in-house and various other meetings; provide minutes/reports and self-directed analysis when requested.
• Attend committees and report relevant programmatic and scientific information to Institute leadership.
• Lead scientific workshops or symposia to support ongoing data dissemination of policy and program research, as it relates to existing projects.
• Work with staff on organizing and participating in symposia and discussions with national and international scientific leaders. 5
• Take and compile comprehensive notes and organize and edit content of meeting reports.
• Design and evaluate training workshops, with research /analysis of outcomes.
• Develop outreach strategies, including determination of conferences that should be attended, plans for press coverage, and other outreach activities.
• Plan, organize and participate in technical meetings and consultations that convene diverse experts to advance key issues in scientific research.
• Identify gaps in existing scientific knowledge and provide recommendations for future research efforts.
• Analyze the scientific merit and the adequacy of current and projected research programs.
• Conceive, design and perform detailed analysis of the scientific landscape and/or administrative factors affecting research program priorities and performance in various scientific areas; Oversee scientific, administrative, and fiscal aspects of such grants, and evaluating them for scientific progress, programmatic relevance and merit. 4
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of Institute funded extramural research programs.
• Review short and long range planning proposals to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and mission.
• Recommend new or changed methods or procedures for monitoring/tracking budgetary information.
• Evaluate program activities to identify issues and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and implement comprehensive studies of performance measures to evaluate program productivity, develop metrics and milestones to assess progress of the program.
• Assists with analyzing current scientific programs and developing and proposing new initiatives.
• Assist in conducting literature searches and provide summaries of findings as part of preliminary planning for new research activities and directions.
• Confer with other government agencies, extramural researchers and the broader scientific community on future projects, policy and general research.
• Develop, evaluate and refine solicitations designed to elicit high-quality research proposals from the scientific community.
• Work with staff on planning and implementing project-based activities; e.g., workshop planning, resource evaluation, communication strategy, assist with report writing/editing, etc.
• Prepare the Institute's annual report on program activities; use scientific expertise in health research to identify common themes and cross-cutting science areas.
• Meet with leadership on a regular basis to provide oral reports and discuss the status of on-going projects and to receive new assignments.
• Prepare presentations to Institute leadership; attend monthly meetings; report to multiple divisions in the Institute on the status of the program budget.
• Contribute to the writing and development of executive summaries and reports to share with key partners.
• Advise senior leadership staff on policy, government affairs and Congressional interactions, as scientific program liaison and area expert with policy staff.
• Prepare written reports describing the results of statistical analyses of sample results, based on the data supplied by laboratories and
• reports of analyses of case-control data.
• Provide advice to upper-level management on the latest published research findings and trends.
• Provide advice and consultation to the staff about policy, programs, communications and strategic alliance issues.
• Provide analyses to program staff of new research proposals, both pre- and post-application, regarding scientific strengths and weaknesses, experimental design, technical approaches, and overall impact.
• Provide a facilitative role among the team leaders aimed at coordinating strategies and goals into a focused Project Plan.
• Develop an overall operational plan for the proposed project after discussion with the Project Team: tasks to be completed, time scales and schedules, resources required, estimated cost of each task
• Track implementation of the Project; review progress in relation to the plan; work with the Project Team to revise the plan as needed; develop and maintain a project-tracking document.
• Meet with upper level management on a regular basis to provide oral reports on the status of on-going projects and to receive new assignments.
• Collaborate with upper level management staff on contract management activities associated with the program.
• Implement program initiatives related to the Institute research and training portfolio.
• Identify areas for collaboration within the division and independently implement said projects.
• Develop, implement and monitor scientific planning and evaluation processes.
• Plan, develop and implement immediate and long-range goals and objectives designed to strengthen and enhance the success of the research program.
• Coordinate and design activities related to the development, approvals and launching of new research funding concepts.
• Develop project specific plans and timelines needed to execute studies and research and other projects. 2
• Work with staff on the development and coordination of scientific initiatives.
• Implement issues and strategies to enhance successful completion of current projects; prepare conceptual plans and other written products.
• Conduct sophisticated, complex policy analyses of various issues impacting the Institute.
• Participate and aid in making recommendations and monitoring implementation to improve management and progress of research managed.
• Analyze business and operating procedures to devise the most efficient methods of accomplishing work; plan study of work problems and procedures, such as communications, information flow, integrated databases, inventory control or analysis of funding plans.
• Analyze program activities to identify issues and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Conduct reviews of relevant workgroup materials; coordinate feedback across team and collaborators within the project; guide revisions.
• Advise senior project staff on study decisions; troubleshoot issues; analyze study goals, timeline, planning and progress.
• Participate and aid in making recommendations and monitoring implementation to improve management and progress of research programs.
• Develop and update project plans to accurately reflect milestones and resources for assigned or self-initiated projects.
• Analyze and evaluate, on a quantitative and/or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of programs or operations in meeting established goals, measures and objectives.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive documentation procedure for projects, and portfolio monitoring activities.
• Meet with staff on a regular basis to provide oral reports on the status of on-going projects and to receive new assignments.
• Provide detailed, comparative projections based on the progress of projects, funding levels and other factors.
• Perform ongoing analysis of published research and the alignment of the basic research portfolio.
• Make recommendations for and facilitate new research effort, clinical studies, or other initiatives.
• Provide advice to the team regarding unique conditions and issues which affect scientific and administrative functions.
• Interpret scientific data to identify high priority, conduct portfolio analysis, identify opportunities and problem areas.
• Identify operational and technical problems; work with staff to identify a recommended action plan and solutions.
• Assists in preparing and developing future strategic plans.
• Manage and proposed research plans, short and long-term goals and objects for research projects via development and tracking of project work plans.
• Develop communications and outreach strategies for programs in relevant scientific areas; and draft strategic plans, standard operating procedures and guidelines for implementation of programmatic and administrative activities.
• Prepare, write and edit technical proposals and papers related to research program including topics related to international research policy and novel program evaluation; develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for implementation of programmatic and administrative activities.
• Perform research in support of strategic planning for the program's research programs and coordinate and design activities related to the development, approvals and launching of new research funding concepts.
• Screen and evaluate fit of the science topic of proposed projects for their interest and appropriateness with the mission of the Institute. 3
• Provide authoritative advice on program content to staff to assist them in setting up new or experimental programs in areas where related precedents are generally unavailable. 1
• Complete progress reports; flag potential issues; synthesize and summarize research findings; draft and finalize top line reports and PowerPoint presentations.
• Prepare, a variety of routine and special reports on the research goals, current activities, accomplishments, and strategic planning efforts.
• Provide analyses of scientific planning, evaluation, and/or policy questions or proposals for consideration by staff.
• Provide strategic scientific support for grantees in preparation of publications, reports and briefing materials; provide technical insight and collaboration possibilities.
• Provide scientific and management support to staff on planning and implementation of projects, including setting priorities, managing assigned tasks, monitoring project status, reviewing deliverables, and providing status updates.
• Develop and make readily available training materials to increase awareness about the program.
• Provide recommendations and guidance on planned related analyses.
• Evaluate and critique research proposals.
• Formulate and present new basic research concepts, projects and initiatives to appropriate advisory groups.
• Discuss directions and developing areas with leading authorities.
• Work with staff on the development and coordination of scientific activities within the initiative.
• Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyses of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
• Interact with scientists as needed to help overcome technical hurdles or provide additional insights or expertise regarding the preparation of scientific protocols.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or similar
• Knowledge of NIH grants and funding mechanisms, funding opportunity announcements, workshop and conference planning, research conduct and compliance, and project management.
• Skilled in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.