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 is seeking a Founding Executive Director, Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science, to build and lead a university-wide hub that expands PAU’s research capacity and external funding.

The role requires entrepreneurial leadership to translate scholarship into meaningful practice, policy, technology, and community impact, shaping PAU’s research culture and partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal research doctorate in psychology, behavioral science, health science, social science, or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of research administration or development experience in a university or research setting.
• Progressive leadership with success building programs, initiatives, partnerships, or research infrastructure.
• Demonstrated understanding of external research funding and academic research enterprise.
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the Center, including its strategy, programs, operations, budget, partnerships, and measures of success.
• Supervise research-related functions including the library, IRB, grants, writing support, and research design and data analysis services.
• Develop signature research initiatives translating PAU scholarship into practical applications in practice, policy, technology, and communities.
• Engage faculty across the University as Center affiliates, collaborators, and research leaders; build strategic partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, foundations, and industry.
• Represent PAU and the Center with research partners, funders, and professional organizations; increase visibility of PAU research.
• Oversee external revenue generation through grants, sponsored research, contracts, and strategic partnerships.

Skills

3-5 years of research administration

Leadership in program development

External funding knowledge

Education

PhD or equivalent terminal research doctorate

Job description

Palo Alto University is seeking a Founding Executive Director, Center for Translational Research in Behavioral Science, to build and lead a university-wide hub that expands PAU’s research capacity and external funding.

The role requires entrepreneurial leadership to translate scholarship into meaningful practice, policy, technology, and community impact, shaping PAU’s research culture and partnerships.