Director of Translational Research Planning & Development

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Assistance Program

Pension/retirement plans

Employer-paid benefits

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Director of Research Planning & Development to provide strategic leadership and oversee research administration for a broad portfolio of initiatives in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The role aligns departmental priorities with the university’s mission and advances translational cancer research.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with extensive grant experience, proven leadership in research administration, and ability to collaborate

Qualifications

• PhD in Science, Oncology research or a related field with extensive experience in grant writing, funded grant submissions, and full-lifecycle grant management.
• Experience leading research administration teams, supervising staff, supporting complex research programs, and collaborating with senior leadership for grant processing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for research planning and program development across translational, clinical and basic science initiatives.
• Oversee grants management, budgeting, and compliance for sponsored projects; coordinate proposals, reports, and sponsor updates.
• Direct pre-award and post-award grant management activities, ensuring timely activation and budgeting integrity.

Skills

Grant writing

Grant management

Leadership

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Education

PhD in Science or Oncology

Bachelor's Degree in Science or related field

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Director of Research Planning & Development to provide strategic leadership and oversee research administration for a broad portfolio of initiatives in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The role aligns departmental priorities with the university’s mission and advances translational cancer research.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with extensive grant experience, proven leadership in research administration, and ability to collaborate