Research Program Associate Director

University of Wisconsin Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and holidays

Competitive insurance options

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin Madison is seeking a Research Program Associate Director to lead its extensive research operations in the Department of Pediatrics. This pivotal role includes overseeing research administration and managing the associated staff.

Preferred candidates will have extensive experience in managing complex research portfolios and be adept at pre- and post-award administration. A starting salary of $120,000 annually is offered, with benefits including generous leave and insurance options.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive responsibility in managing complex, multi-disciplinary research portfolios.
• Experience with pre- and post-award research administration oversight.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of 2.0 FTE and indirect supervision of 7.0 FTE.
• Provide oversight and leadership for research administrative support.
• Lead and coordinate research-related grant proposals and awards.

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Department of Pediatrics is seeking a Research Program Associate Director to provide leadership and oversight for its extensive research operations. Since 2015 the department has ranked among the Top 20 pediatrics departments receiving NIH funding. In fiscal year 2025, the department received nearly $42 million in research funding, about $27 million of which was from the National Institutes of Health.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of 2.0 FTE and indirect supervision of 7.0 FTE (based on current staffing).
• Provide oversight, leadership and strategic planning for pre‑ and post‑award research administrative support.
• Compile, analyze, and present proposal statistics, award information, trends, and national rankings to DOP, SMPH, and UW Health leadership.
• Use departmental data to strategize, refine, and implement policies and procedures that support the research and academic success of DOP faculty, researchers, staff, and trainees.
• Work with the DOP Post‑Award Manager to ensure timely and accurate financial reports are provided and discussed with principal investigators; plan staffing levels to maintain financial stability.
• Lead and coordinate the DOP Research & Development grant proposals/awards and Capital Equipment allocations; prepare ROI analyses for DOP leadership.
• Maintain and develop research‑related content for the DOP website and intranet, serving as a robust and up‑to‑date resource for faculty, staff and trainees.
• Develop and lead research administration education opportunities and trainings for faculty, staff and trainees.
• Lead research‑related faculty onboarding efforts, including start‑up funding requests, new faculty orientations, and regular faculty check‑ins within the first 18 months of employment.
• Manage large research projects for a center or program.
• Exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE employees.
• Assist with planning, implementation, and management of strategic initiatives for a center or program.
• Determine unit personnel needs and the unit personnel resource allocation plan.
• Serve as a unit liaison to internal stakeholder groups to foster cross‑unit partnership efforts regarding research programs and activities.
• Serve as a consultant to project directors and provide technical expertise to research and operational personnel.
• Collaborate with project directors and a full range of clients whose knowledge and expertise vary.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive responsibility in managing complex, multi-disciplinary research portfolios in an academic and/or health care setting.
• Experience with pre‑ and post‑award research administration oversight, proposal development, budget planning and preparation, and automated financial systems.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with clinical trials and/or a large, complex medical center is strongly preferred.

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for the position is $120,000 annually and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurance options; and retirement benefits.

Contact Information

Hope Jende, 608‑262‑0149, [e-mail]

Institutional Statement on Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.