Carnegie Mellon University · 5 hours ago
Senior Program Director, Interdisciplinary Biomedical and Lifesciences Research Programs - Office of the Vice President for Research
Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Senior Program Director to oversee university-wide research initiatives in biomedical and life sciences. The role involves strategic development, coordination, and management of multiple-award agreements, ensuring alignment with research goals and sponsor expectations.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Work with CMU leadership to ensure strong, proactive engagement with mission-driven federal and state agencies, companies, foundations, and non-profits in the biomedical and life sciences research areas
Partner with CMU researchers and engineers to align project execution with research goals and sponsor expectations, facilitating successful outcomes and long-term impact
Support the development and implementation of comprehensive project plans, defining scope, deliverables, schedule, and resource allocation tailored to the unique requirements of strategic federally funded and other high-stakes research initiatives
Manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor financial policies, and adapting resource allocations as project needs evolve
Build and lead cross-functional project teams, including faculty, technical staff, and administrative personnel; establish governance structures to ensure effective execution and accountability
Track program milestones and deliverables, maintaining clear visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies to ensure timely delivery and responsiveness to sponsor needs. Tracks budgets and performs budget risk analyses throughout life of the project
Maintain clear and continuous communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on status, challenges, and strategic adjustments. Create reports and presentations as needed in support of project planning and status
Monitor shifting sponsor priorities and emerging research opportunities, adjusting plans and team focus to remain aligned with strategic goals
Serve as a liaison between university administration and research teams, ensuring institutional support and integration across departments for sponsored initiatives
Engage with leadership at the planning phase of new projects to identify the business needs, application requirements, and business processes that require reengineering or design to support the initiatives and projects
Create reports and presentations as needed
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Education: Master's degree in science, technology, or related fields
Strong background in biomedical and life sciences research and translation
Demonstrated mastery of project management principles and methodologies including successful implementation of projects in a complex organization
Strong analytical, organizational and team-building skills
Excellent oral/written communication skills, as well as diplomacy and a high level of professionalism
Experience managing change and process improvements in a highly decentralized environment
Preferred
Education: Ph.D. degree in science, technology, or related field
Prior work with federal agencies, companies, and foundations
Experience in higher education or research setting
Prior experience supporting highly technical programs in computer science, AI, robotics, autonomy, and/or biological sciences
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
Tuition benefits
Ample paid time off
Observed holidays
Life and accidental death and disability insurance
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
Fitness center access
Company
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that offers degrees in technology, arts, and various other fields.
H1B Sponsorship
Carnegie Mellon University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (131)
2024 (131)
2023 (149)
2022 (132)
2021 (120)
2020 (99)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$488.58MKey Investors
ICANNAppalachian Regional CommissioneBPF Foundation
2025-05-29Grant· $0.45M
2024-09-05Grant· $0.5M
2024-08-29Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
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