ARPA-H Project Manager (RSCH GNT PRG OFCR 3 RP)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Excellent benefits

Job summary

University of California, Davis Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking a Program Officer to lead a milestone-driven ARPA-H project under limited supervision, coordinating milestones, deliverables, risk registers, partner communications, and reporting across institutions.

The role collaborates with the PI, technical leads, research admins, contracts and grants staff, and external partners to align with milestones, budget, and transition goals, while preparing dashboards and review

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience and education.
• Experience coordinating research grant programs, initiatives, or centers; ability to apply acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to resolve problems; and complete work assignments.
• Academic background and experience in the selected area of research; strong oral and written communication skills; strong ability to think creatively and independently; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively; proven program planning and project management.

Responsibilities

• Program Research Project Management and Milestone Tracking
• Reporting and Portfolio Management
• Cross-Institution Coordination and Communications
• Subaward and Administrative Support

Skills

Program management

Milestone tracking

Cross-institution coordination

Proposal planning

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The Program Officer will serve in a lead role under limited supervision from the Primary Investigator, managing a large milestone-driven ARPA-H project. The role will manage and ensure the overall coordination of technical milestones, deliverables, risk registers, partner communications, reporting packages, meeting materials, action items, and cross-institution execution. The officer will work closely with the PI, technical leads, research administrators, contracts and grants staff, and sixxternal partners to ensure that the project remains aligned with ARPA-H milestones, budget expectations, transition goals, and reporting obligations. When effort allocation permits, the officer will also support related strategic research-development activities, including proposal planning, project dashboards, internal review timelines, and coordination of high-priority translational research initiatives in the laboratory.

Job Summary

The Program Officer will serve in a lead role under limited supervision from the Primary Investigator, managing a large milestone-driven ARPA-H project. The role will manage and ensure the overall coordination of technical milestones, deliverables, risk registers, partner communications, reporting packages, meeting materials, action items, and cross-institution execution. The officer will work closely with the PI, technical leads, research administrators, contracts and grants staff, and sixxternal partners to ensure that the project remains aligned with ARPA-H milestones, budget expectations, transition goals, and reporting obligations. When effort allocation permits, the officer will also support related strategic research-development activities, including proposal planning, project dashboards, internal review timelines, and coordination of high-priority translational research initiatives in the laboratory.

Apply By Date

October 8, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience and education.
• Experience coordinating research grant programs, initiatives, or centers; ability to apply acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to resolve problems; and complete work assignments. Ability to function as a primary resource for an assigned area within a broader research grant program initiative.
• Academic background and experience in the selected area of research; strong oral and written communication skills; strong ability to think creatively and independently; strong interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively; proven program planning and project management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or Biomaterials.
• Prior experience in a research administration or sponsored program’s role at an academic or research institution. Demonstrated proposal development, milestone/portfolio tracking, or program evaluation knowledge.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills; advanced ability to analyze information, problems, and procedures to define needs and objectives; demonstrated ability to formulate solutions and support new program development; advanced program planning and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Program Research Project Management and Milestone Tracking
• 20% - Reporting and Portfolio Management
• 20% - Cross-Institution Coordination and Communications
• 15% - Subaward and Administrative Support

Department Overview

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is a large, complex academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in multiple areas of biomedical engineering. The BME department is responsible for administering $29M- $32M in annual expenditures (FY25 ~$17M in sponsored projects). BME has approximately 500+ undergraduate students and a graduate group of 120 students and a newly approved self-supporting professional degree (Master of Engineering in Medical Device Development). BME has 70 academic and staff employees including postdoctoral scholars, project scientists and other scholars.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $89,775.00 - $165,165.00/year
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: RSCH GNT PRG OFCR 3 RP
• UC Job Code: 005277
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, and to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks