Founding Director, Translational Behavioral Science Center

Palo Alto University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto University seeks a Founding Executive Director to establish and lead the Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science. This role will accelerate PAU’s research capacity, engage faculty and partners, and translate findings into real-world impact.

The position drives strategic growth, partnerships, and external funding while shaping PAU’s research culture and visibility within the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal research doctorate in psychology, behavioral science, health science, social science, or related field.
• 3–5 years of research administration or related experience in a university or research setting.
• Progressive leadership with success building programs, initiatives, or research infrastructure.
• Experience securing external research funding and developing partnerships.
• Ability to work in person with Bay Area networks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project-management skills.
• Strategic thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science, including strategy, programs, budget, partnerships, and success measures.
• Supervise research-related functions such as library, IRB, grants, and research design/data analysis services.
• Develop signature research initiatives translating PAU scholarship into practical applications for policy, technology, and communities.
• Engage faculty across the University as Center affiliates and partners, building strategic external collaborations.
• Oversee external engagement, revenue generation through grants and sponsored research, and translational research initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Research administration

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in psychology/behavioral science

Job description

Palo Alto University seeks a Founding Executive Director to establish and lead the Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science. This role will accelerate PAU’s research capacity, engage faculty and partners, and translate findings into real-world impact.

The position drives strategic growth, partnerships, and external funding while shaping PAU’s research culture and visibility within the Silicon Valley ecosystem.