Title: Accelerating Research Translation Program Manager

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: Institute Applied Life Science

Department: Institute Applied Life Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Accelerating Research Translation Program Manager in the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) is responsible for project management of the NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART) Award and the Manning IALS innovation awards programs, including the Translational Seed Awards programs; NSF ART’s sub-teams, day-to-day financial operations; and the ART Ambassadors Network.

Essential Functions

Oversees and manages the Translational Seed Award solicitation/pre-award process including the grant funding process. Acts as point of contact for PIs and teams applying for funding and hosts required information sessions for those interested in applying, designs application process, solicits, collects, and tracks applications. Designs the reviewer feedback process. Compiles application materials for the review process. Prepares and disseminates application and award communications. Coordinates internal and external reviewers, review panels and the pre-panel review of proposals, ensuring confidentiality throughout the entire process. Drafts award decision letters and communications. Coordinates funding and award disbursement with IALS Finance & Operations Director. Supports the onboarding of teams that have been awarded funds. Tracks award recipient progress toward milestones. Facilitates year-over-year improvements in pre-award processes.

Oversees and manages the Translational Seed Award post-award processes. These include financial tracking in coordination with IALS Finance & Operations Director, and commercial milestone tracking in coordination with IALS Venture Development Director. Provides overall general guidance and project management. Coordinates and facilitates regular award updates and progress reviews – collect and review written reports; with IALS/ART leadership, meet with awarded projects on regularly to track progress toward project milestones, and identify any areas that need course correction or support. Be able to flag any projects for IALS leadership that require immediate intervention, with special attention to compliance issues. Supports IALS Director’s, IALS Venture Development Director’s, and ART reports and updates for IALS and ART leadership and other key stakeholders, such as the U.S National Science Foundation, Deans, donors, etc. Facilitates year-over-year improvements of post-award processes. Develops general updates for delivery to the US NSF program staff and the ART Portal.

Collaborates with IALS staff, ART sub-teams, and internal partners (graduate students, postdocs, and faculty). This allows implementation of strategies/tactics to recruit a broad range of grant applicants and to create a long-term pipeline for Translational Seed Award funding and related opportunities. Recognizes application barriers and works with leadership to resolve them.

Coordinates all ART and Translational Seed Awards communications. These include marketing and award announcements with the IALS Marketing and Communications Director. Participates in the development of news stories, social media content, and web site content.

Collaborates with campus and external partners to coordinate shared resources, events, and opportunities for translational research programs. Manages day-to-day communications and meetings with ART Partner organizations. Serves on all ART sub-teams to facilitate efficient information sharing across these teams. Manages databases and maintains files to document ART activities and progress. Collaborates with all sub-teams to operationalize sub-team plans. Assists with developing appropriate recognition/rewards for STRP seed project and ART training participants. Facilitates the ARTISAN network.

Supports the ART PI and co-PIs in the administration and coordination of the overall ART initiative. Assists with hiring of Manning IALS Summer Business Innovation Fellows. Provides guidance and supervision to students including Manning IALS Summer Business Innovation Fellows, students on funded projects, and students participating in ART programs. Assists with grant deliverables, such as key milestones and reporting to the NSF. Assists with operationalizing venture mentoring programs. Promotes the STRP funding opportunities to faculty interested in accelerating their research translation efforts. Facilitates the ART external evaluator’s efforts. Represents UMass Amherst at ART Project Manager meetings and on other occasions as needed. Supports overall Accelerating Research Translation award management activities and updates in Research.Gov and other platforms.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of project coordination (or related experience) or Associate's degree and five (5) years of related experience or high school diploma and seven (7) years of related experience.

Familiarity with University startups.

Experience working in higher education with diverse group of constituents; faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.

Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Strong organizational, project management and workflow skills.

Experience with promoting and designing initiatives that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Proficiency in Google workspace.

Ability and willingness to travel both in and out of state.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with basic aspects of commercialization/venture development.

Advanced degree in STEM, social sciences, organizational development, or business, or other relevant discipline-related Bachelor’s Degree.

Familiarity with university research.

Familiarity with training programs and workforce development.

Familiarity with supporting federally-funded grant initiatives.

Additional Details

This is a term-limited position to end 1/31/2028. Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant or University funds.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

37.5 hours/week, Monday - Friday.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.