Assistant Director of Research Programs

Case; Cleveland, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Comprehensive benefits package

Healthcare

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Winter recess

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University seeks an Assistant Director of Research Programs to advance translational science across CTSC partners. You will craft grant submissions, edit scientific content, and ensure NIH policy compliance while coordinating with CTSC leadership to maximize funded research opportunities.

The role requires robust scientific writing, strong editorial skills, and ability to manage multiple grants and collaborations across institutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in writing manuscripts for publication and grant applications.
• Experience writing clinical protocols preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated knowledge of accepted scientific/medical writing standards and editing ability.
• Ability to critically review scientific data to find weaknesses and strengths.
• Ability to obtain and maintain human subject research training certification.
• Knowledge of computer and multimedia tools (word processing, presentations, graphics, databases).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and handle multiple tasks with deadlines.
• Knowledge of NIH Public Access Policy compliance and NIH/OMB guidelines.
• Inter-departmental collaboration and program development experience.

Responsibilities

• Organize, edit, review, and prepare submission of translational grant proposals (≈10 per year).
• Maintain PubMed publication monitoring and REDCap data tracking for CTSC publications.
• Develop post-pilot pathways and coordinate with CTSC leadership for investigator support.
• Advise on CTSC pilot and national grant opportunities and align proposals with funding guidelines.
• Create presentations summarizing research progress for RPPR and renewals.

Skills

Manuscript writing

Grant writing

Scientific editing

Verbal communication

Written communication

Critical review

NIH policy knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

MD or PhD in biomedical or population-based disciplines

Tools

REDCap

Job description

Case Western Reserve University: School of Medicine (FAC/RA/RS): School of Medicine - Main Campus (FAC/RA/RS): Clinical & Translational Award (FAC/RA/RS)

Location

Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine

Open Date

Sep 10, 2026

Description

The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio is a consortium based at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) linking clinical and translational research efforts at seven independent institutions—CWRU, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth System, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Northeast Ohio Medical University and University of Toledo. The goal of the $56.3 million NIH-awarded CTSC is to transform how clinical and translational research is conducted and enable the School of Medicine (with more than 40 participating faculty) and its partners to provide integrated clinical and translational research capability and educational opportunities due to complex and ever-changing responsibilities in relationship to the 6 separate institutional sites.

The Assistant Director of Research Programs (ADRP) will work closely with the Clinical & Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) senior leadership and scientific program leaders, serving as a subject matter expert on scientific and technical grant writing for researchers and non-research staff to develop, direct, and manage a variety of projects, assignments, and funding opportunities in the CTSC designed to accelerate discoveries toward better health. The Assistant Director of Research Programs will work closely with the Principal Investigator, CTSC leadership and administration to identify and develop new grant opportunities for CTSC Principal Investigators and implement an overall strategy for developing federally funded research programs and projects that meet the needs of the CTSC and its membership. The ADRP will be responsible for advanced level writing and critical review in support of faculty members of the CTSC partners, to ensure that scientific communications (abstracts, manuscripts, protocols, and in particular grant applications) are of the highest quality and contribute to the CTSC’s reputation for academic and research excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Organize, advise, edit, review, and prepare submission of at least 10 translational science-related grant submissions per year and make recommendations on the scientific and technical components based on scientific background/experience. Proactively seek and match CTSC member investigators to open funding opportunities, with a focus on NCATS grants, and subsequently assist in development of proposals. Provide consultations with research investigators to evaluate proposals for consistency with funding announcement guidelines and agency priorities. Develop, write, edit, and submit grant applications to NIH or foundation grants at the direction of the CTSC Principal Investigator, and in coordination with physician and/or project teams. Develop ancillary documents for grant applications such as drafting letters of support, project narratives, vertebrate animals, human subjects and clinical trial information. Address fundamental style considerations for editing grant applications for clarity. Understand all components of NIH and NCATS grant submissions and advise members as necessary. Work with CTSC administrative staff to ensure efficient development of materials needed for submission of transdisciplinary grant proposals including working with the Executive Director and Financial Analyst for budget development. When a new grant is funded, facilitate post-award set-up ensuring administrative hand-offs. Work with the Office of Research & Technology, the SOM Grants Office, and the CWRU Cancer Center’s grant proposal development specialists to create a collaborative environment across CWRU research areas and create synergy among systems when possible. Regularly review NIH OMB and grants.gov guidance for the latest updates and implement them into CTSC proposal development practices. Develop an understanding of the Shared Resources of the CTSC partner institutions to provide advice when needed regarding technical support for projects. (40%)
2. Maintain publications compliance for the CTSC program. Monitor PubMed publications that cite the CTSC award as well as CTSC companion programs. Maintain a robust data system in REDCap for CTSC member publication check-in to determine translational science relevance. Prompt follow-up with investigators and provide assistance to ensure compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy. Deeply research CTSC‑cited publications to track longitudinal CTSC involvement and work regularly with CTSC Evaluation Unit and Communications Teams to ensure CTSC publications are reported, tracked, and communicated with stakeholders. (25%)
3. Work with the Administrative Lead of the CTSC Pilot Program and the Senior Scientific Editor to create and maintain a systematic post‑pilot pathway program. This program will track pilot awardees and discover/solicit new proposals to them when appropriate, with the eventual goal of additional funding for pilot projects or aspects of projects. (10%)
4. Serve as a scientific liaison between the CTSC Principal Investigator (PI), CTSC Element and Module leadership and CTSC administrative staff to integrate and reduce siloing of CTSC research activities. This will require a strong foundation in the science involved in these groups, inter‑ and multi‑disciplinary activities, and an expert understanding of the mechanisms needed to meet the research objectives. Assist CTSC leadership with editing and preparing summaries of the research program’s activities that appear in the CTSC Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) (annual progress report) and CTSC renewal. (10%)
5. Advise PI, CTSC leadership, and CTSC members on available CTSC pilot and national grant opportunities based on the programs’ research objectives and an understanding of the funding source. Review grant opportunities and appropriately match the grant to CTSC research teams in order to maximize grant funded projects for the center. Track, review and interpret requests for proposals and funding guidelines from NIH and foundations to determine if appropriate for CWRU CTSC and how best to respond and comply. Develop PowerPoint presentations of research results/progress of programs and funded grants, and generalized medical research knowledge for conferences, events, site visits, or educational sessions for investigators and lay audiences (e.g. Community Advisory Board) dedicated to highlighting research advances in the field. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist with CTSC-wide meetings as needed. (3%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with CTSC leadership, administration and membership to complete position responsibilities.

University: Monthly/weekly contact with the Office of Sponsored Projects, School of Medicine Office of Grants and Contracts, and department administrators

External: Contact as required with NIH Program Officers and Specialists regarding requirements for and status of grants; Regular contact with personnel at the CTSC partner institutions (Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, University Hospitals, and VA Medical Center) and the CWRU schools.

Students: none

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. However, performance feedback will be requested as it relates to individuals serving on committees this position directs.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated experience in writing manuscripts for publication and grant applications.
2. Experience writing clinical protocols preferred.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated knowledge of accepted scientific/medical writing standards and editing ability.
4. The candidate should have the ability to critically review scientific data to find both weaknesses and strengths.
5. Ability to obtain and maintain human subject research training certification.
6. Demonstrated working knowledge of computer and multimedia skills to include word processing; presentation, editing and graphics software; citation libraries; intranet-based applications; and database management is desirable.
7. The candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, interacting intelligently and effectively with people of varied and diverse backgrounds.
8. The ability to deal with numerous tasks simultaneously, prioritizing workload and producing accurate and scientifically correct material within established deadlines is essential.
9. Knowledge of research subject regulatory requirements and processes as well as training in these areas (e.g. CITI, biological resources) is a plus.
10. Knowledge of NIH Public Access Policy compliance.
11. Knowledge of NIH OMB and grants.gov guidelines.
12. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex programs requiring inter-departmental and inter‑institutional interactions.
13. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
14. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and self-directed. Must demonstrate the ability to take initiative and the capacity to learn quickly.
15. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.
16. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office work environment with hybrid work option available. This position may require occasional and often unexpected longer than 8-hour days during the week and/or on weekends. Travel as needed for the Clinical and Translational Science Award program meeting once per year, as well as other CTSC meetings, workshops, conferences, or other university business.

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting annual salary is $80,000-$90,000, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience required. Experience in preferred field(s) of study preferred. (Minimum years may be higher - salary range should correlate to the required experience.)

Education/Licensing: MD or PhD in biomedical or population-based disciplines with experience in aspects of basic or translational science research, epidemiology, public health or other applicable arenas.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email [e-mail] . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.