Job Summary:

 The Director of Scientific Programs and Translational Partnerships will serve as the senior scientific leader responsible for the execution of the research program. The Director, reporting to the Constellation Professor, maintains an active role in the design and execution of highly technical experimental research while overseeing scientific operations, personnel, project management, multidisciplinary collaborations, education, and translational activities. The Director will also have the opportunity to develop an independent externally funded research program that complements the strategic research mission.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate (ex: Ph.D./J.D./Ed.D. or other) in Related Field
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in neuroimmunology, in vivo pharmacology and new technology development
  • Experience should include a minimum 10 years of experience leading multidisciplinary global collaborative research projects

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate (ex: Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D. or other) in neuroimmunology
• Experience supervising and mentoring researchers and scientific staff
• Experience liaising with industry partners, biotechnology companies, and other external collaborators
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific presentations, grant writing, technology transfer, and regulatory/compliance requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate scientific discoveries into research priorities and organizational goals
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence diverse stakeholders across scientific, clinical, and administrative disciplines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of translational research, technology commercialization, and intellectual property management
• Skill in developing competitive research proposals and communicating scientific findings to diverse audiences
• Ability to mentor and develop scientific talent while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative research environment

Representative Job Duties:

• Lead the day-to-day management and coordination of multidisciplinary scientific research projects, develop independent research projects and ensure successful execution of the research strategy, priorities, milestones, and objectives
• Direct research operations by overseeing project planning, personnel, laboratory resources, budgets, timelines, regulatory compliance, and reporting to ensure efficient and high-quality research delivery
• Supervise and mentor research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, students, and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing research environment
• Coordinate the development and implementation of research plans, monitor project progress, and ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, ethical, and regulatory requirements
• Support the preparation and management of competitive grant applications, progress reports, and scientific documentation, while assisting with post-award administration and project management
• Design, execute, and direct highly technical experimental research, including the development of innovative methodologies, optimization of experimental protocols, analysis and interpretation of complex datasets, and preparation of high-impact manuscripts, presentations, and scientific reports in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and research team
• Develop and maintain productive collaborations with academic investigators, clinicians, industry partners, and institutional core facilities to advance multidisciplinary and translational research initiatives
• Contribute to the academic mission of the department through teaching, graduate and postgraduate training, seminar presentations, and mentorship, supporting the professional development of trainees and early-career investigators
• Support innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property development by facilitating translational research activities and interactions with institutional and external partners
• Pursue continuous improvement in research operations and, consistent with the strategic priorities of the Principal Investigator's program, develop an independent research program through the acquisition of competitive external funding as Principal Investigator

Shift:

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Driving:

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $160,000 - $170,000 (an additional 20% differential will be applied due to work location in NYC)

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

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