Program Manager - Wan Lab

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 61,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental and vision plans

Retirement

Paid time off

Short- and long-term disability

Paid parental leave

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia invites applications for a Program Manager to provide leadership for multidisciplinary research programs, including NIH P01 projects, within the NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases. You will coordinate across investigators, cores, and study teams, tracking milestones and sponsor requirements.

Reporting to the Center Director, you will manage meetings, prepare deliverables, and support the broader research portfolio while collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience required.
• Experience in research program management or coordination of multidisciplinary programs preferred.
• Experience with NIH-funded research is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate NIH P01 and other major research programs with integrated plans and milestones.
• Organize and facilitate program and investigator meetings; prepare agendas and materials.
• Track sponsor requirements, deadlines, and deliverables; address delays or issues.
• Prepare NIH progress reports and sponsor updates with investigators.
• Support Center Director in managing the broader research portfolio and priorities.
• Foster communication among teams and external collaborators to strengthen interdisciplinary activities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Program Manager will provide program management and administrative leadership for multidisciplinary research programs within the NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), with primary responsibility for coordinating a major NIH Program Project (P01) on influenza transmission and supporting the Center Director’s broader portfolio of research funded by federal agencies, such as NIH, NSF, and USDA, as well as industry-sponsored and collaborative research programs.

Reporting to the Center Director, the incumbent will coordinate research activities across investigators, projects, cores, study teams, and administrative units; track milestones and deliverables; facilitate communication and meetings, monitor program timelines; and support timely completion of sponsor requirements. The position will work closely with scientific investigators, human and animal study coordinators, laboratory management, research staff, institutional offices, and external collaborators.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Manage day-to-day program operations for the NIH P01 and other major research programs by maintaining integrated project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and action items and identifying issues that may affect program progress.
• Coordinate activities across P01 projects and cores and other collaborative research programs, working with investigators, human and animal study coordinators, laboratory management, research staff, administrative offices, and external collaborators.
• Organize and facilitate program meetings, investigator meetings, and sponsor-related activities; prepare agendas and program materials; document decisions and action items; and follow up with responsible team members to support timely completion.
• Track sponsor requirements, reporting deadlines, research milestones, and other program deliverables and work with investigators and administrative partners to address delays, dependencies, or operational issues.
• Coordinate preparation of NIH progress reports, sponsor updates, program documentation, and other required deliverables by gathering information from investigators and project teams and supporting accurate and timely submission.
• Support the Center Director in managing the broader research portfolio by maintaining an overview of active and planned projects, major deadlines, collaborative activities, and program priorities.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among scientific teams, study coordinators, laboratory management, institutional research and administrative offices, and external partners to strengthen interdisciplinary research activities within CIEID.

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, business administration, public administration, project management, or related field; advanced degree (MS, MPH, MBA, PhD, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience in research program management, sponsored research, project management, clinical or translational research operations, or coordination of complex multidisciplinary programs is preferred.
• Experience with NIH-funded research, including multi-project awards, is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and project-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, track deadlines and deliverables, and work effectively with investigators, research staff, administrators, and external collaborators.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $60,944 to $112,320

Grade: GGS 011

University Title: Research Consultant II

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Cover letter, Resume, References

Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Us

The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields—engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission

We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?

At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you’ll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Join us in our quest to advance science and improve lives, one discovery at a time!

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

• medical
• dental and vision plans
• retirement
• paid time off
• short- and long-term disability
• paid parental leave
• paid caregiver leave
• educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.