Program Lead, Research

ARUP Laboratories, Inc; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ARUP Laboratories, Inc. is seeking a Research Program Lead to translate strategy into execution within the Institute for Research & Innovation (R&I). The role coordinates cross-functional programs, manages client alliances, and drives business development to advance long term portfolio objectives.

The position requires leading multiple interrelated projects, collaborating with ARUP Marketing, and engaging external KOLs to ensure successful outcomes and KPI tracking.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s degree in Business Management or related field.
• PhD in Biology or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects in research/clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Execution: maintain technical expertise and align objectives with portfolio benefits.
• R&I liaison with ARUP subject matter experts and external presence in the portfolio.
• Drive Client Alliance Program management and oversee joint steering committees and site visits.
• Manage alliance program objectives against contracts and ensure compliance with stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for portfolio growth and forecast needs with management.
• Lead change management and communicate risk policies to preserve relationships.

Skills

Strategic execution

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Business Management or related field

PhD in Biology or related field

Job description

Schedule :
Monday - Friday (40 hrs/wk)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Primary Purpose :

The Research Program Lead is a central leadership role within the Institute for Research & Innovation (R&I), responsible for translating strategy into execution within the innovation research portfolio, including client alliance management and targeted business development activities. The role independently leads interconnected programs, projects, and initiatives aligned to long term strategic objectives, while operating in a highly collaborative capacity that relies on strong communication and facilitation. The Research Program Lead partners closely with R&I management to plan, govern, and deliver successful portfolio outcomes and brings deep technical expertise as a multidisciplinary team player and visionary communicator.

About ARUP :

ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.

We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.

Essential Functions :

Strategic Execution:

Maintains technical expertise in defined program/area of execution.

Defines and aligns the objectives that realize R&I portfolio strategic benefits.

Ensures solid communication management throughout program by establishing framework and relevant documentation to allow for informed and traceable decision-making.

R&I liaison with ARUP subject matter experts.

Coordinates R&I’s external presence within the defined research portfolio.

Authors review papers and facilitates R&I academic contributions

Manages R&I activities at tradeshows/conferences

Works with ARUP Marketing for external R&I communications

Proactively networks to build relationships with the community in support of the goals of the portfolio, including external key opinion leaders (KOLs).

Develops and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs).

Engages internal and external stakeholders in problem-solving and decision-making to gain buy-in and alignment.

Tracks and oversees the intellectual property disclosure process within defined program/area.

Client Alliance Program Management:

Drives and establishes strategic relationships with established, new, and potential ARUP research clientele.

Key individual to oversee client:

Joint steering committees

Strategic site visits

Characterizes measurable alliance program performance criteria to evaluate quality and improvement opportunities within the team.

Manages alliance program objectives against contractual obligations to ensure each project complies with agreements and expectations of all applicable stakeholders.

Anticipates obstacles and risks to develop contingency plans to address them; takes necessary restorative action when projects go off-track.

Communicates risk policies and processes for alliance programs, to preserve reputational integrity, customer relationships, & employee loyalty.

Functions as a defined escalation point in the alliance management communication plan.

Ensures successful incorporation of change management, by liaising with stakeholders and tracking engagement.

Targeted Business Development:

Identifies opportunities for portfolio growth by assessing value in new projects and programs, as well as the financial and business potential of research opportunities.

Works closely with the R&I management team to analyze and forecast portfolio needs to ensure available resources while upholding established internal budget.

Supports project teams by as they define, formulate, and estimate the project tasks cost and duration to inform project deliverables and chosen budgeting method to establish realistic project timelines and estimated budget.

Other Responsibilities:

Uses experience and expertise to innovate, challenge assumptions and invent practices when necessary.

Provides direction and delegates responsibilities within matrixed teams, in collaboration with the supervisor as appropriate, ensuring task ownership and accountability.

Motivates, develops, and retains staff by providing opportunities for professional growth.

Maintains current, in-depth technical knowledge of laboratory testing including, but not limited to:

Research and discovery applications, including validations

Implementation, commercialization, and long‑term sustainability of research and innovation‑driven testing within clinical laboratory environments.

Demonstrates knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and agency guidelines as they pertain to diagnostic laboratory testing.

Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Other Requirements :

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Communicate: Frequently communicate with others.

PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies.

ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Master's Degree or better in Business Management or related field.

Preferred

PhD or better in Biology or related field.

Experience

Required

Master’s degree in Business Management, Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related healthcare field and eight years of demonstrated experience managing/executing complex project(s)

OR PhD in Biology, Chemistry, or related healthcare field and six years of demonstrated experience managing/executing complex project(s)

Eight (8) years of experience in research/clinical laboratory setting or combination of relevant experience

Skilled in change management, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder engagement

Demonstrated technical acumen

Demonstrated experience managing collaborations, such as with sponsors, research organizations, and clients

Preferred

Demonstrated industry experience to assigned portfolio

Understanding of regulatory requirements for validated systems for regulated research studies (CLIA, CAP, GCP, GLP, etc.)

Experience developing, managing a program budget

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Project Management Prof

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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