Scientific Director - Remote

At the American Cancer Society, we're leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

Leads a Research Program within the Extramural Discovery Science Department. The portfolio of research grant applications, grants and peer review committees can include postdoctoral fellowships and institutional research grants, biochemistry and immunology, preclinical and translational research, and/or clinical research. The Scientific Director also serves as a subject matter expert on the Extramural Discovery Science Team in the Discovery Headquarters working with other Scientific Directors and the SVP. Furthermore, the position serves as a consultant for research providing expert opinion, synthesizing research information, and contributing to communication deliverables regarding Extramural Discovery Science research impact. The Scientific Director is also responsible for developing relationships with grantees, forging their engagement in the ACS ecosystem and providing guidance in identifying additional ACS funding opportunities as they progress through their careers. In addition, the Scientific Director strategically coordinates within the Discovery Pillar and other ACS Pillars , as well as with other non-ACS agencies regarding extramural research.

Must be able to work EST or CST business hours.

Major Responsibilities

Lead all functions of the Research Grants Program, the peer review committees and grand management contained therein.

• Serve as Scientific Director for 3-4 peer review committees, including:
• Identification and recruitment of qualified volunteer scientists and health professional experts and stakeholder peer review committee members. Advise on the selection of new members for the Extramural Discovery Advisory Council.
• Manage and report outcome of PRC meetings twice per year. Assign applications to reviewers, prepare post-review summary statements, and communicate with applicants. Communicate funding recommendations to Council.
• Interpret and communicate policies and procedures to researchers, institutional officials, and staff, regarding individual grant applications.
• Manage a grant portfolio for the Program, including:
• Initiate and manage a working relationship with each grantee, maintaining regular contact to advise on project modifications and monitor grant outcomes based on assessment of annual and final progress reports.
• To emphasize the value of the ACS investment to constituents, collaborate with Regional Staff, Marketing and Corporate Communications and others as appropriate to communicate high impact discoveries and accomplishments of Program grantees.
• Prepare brief communication regarding grantees research projects and progress
• Manage Requests for Applications (RFAs) related to Program as necessary.
• Lead the development of new funding opportunities
• Lead or participate in the development or presentation of conference programs or sessions that support existing grant programs or specific areas of research and training.
  
  

Serve as Research Liaison to ACS Development staff

• Work collaboratively with Development staff focusing on grantee engagement and amplification extramural research impact and serving as an advisor on extramural research funding opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of Grants Programs across the Discovery Pillar by providing customized information about and interpret the accomplishments of the Program; participate in or otherwise assist with materials, meetings and presentations or other events. Provide resources/support to ACS Development efforts to fund research.
• Serve an advisor regarding research grant submission and funding opportunities for young investigators to enhance ACS Regional-institution interactions.
  
  

Contribute to overall administration and strategic direction of Extramural Discovery Science

• Participate in development and implementation of Research strategy to ensure alignment of program goals and outcomes and advise and support the SVP of Extramural Grants in such matters.
• Advise the SVP, Extramural Discovery Science on allocation of grant funds.
• Collaborate with other ACS Pillars to develop strategic, coordinated efforts to meet ACS missions and goals, and provide relevant information to other ACS departments on research findings resulting from extramural funding.
• Collaborate with and provide professional expertise to relevant organizations and agencies to promote and support cancer research and training in general, and ACS programs.
• Oversee Program evaluation.
• Develop and administer a budget for Program Office travel and collaborations.
  
  

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• MD or PhD or equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant areas required.
  
  

SPECILIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE

• Previous experience with research and program management (i.e. Associate Professor level or equivalent) required.
• Previous experience on peer review panel (ACS, NIH, other) desired
• Knowledge of cancer and cancer research and training
• Strong written and verbal skills, including oral presentation skills.
• Ability to work comfortably in a hierarchical management structure.
• Moderate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software and ability to learn proprietary software used by the department.
  
  

Competencies/Skills

Demonstrate Extramural Research Competencies:

• Manages complexity - Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Balances stakeholders - Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
• Ensures accountability - Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Builds networks - Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
• Builds effective teams - Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Drives engagement - Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Instills trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
  
  

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regular travel required.
• Work is normally performed in a standard office environment.
• No or limited physical effort required.
• No or little exposure to physical risk.
  
  

The starting rate is $135,000 to $160,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.