Director, Research Programs

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Director of Research Programs leads and directs the various strategic, programmatic, outreach, and administrative functions for collaborative, inter-institutional programs focused on biomedical research. The Director manages the inter-institutional seed grant program and other research groups and initiatives that impact the biomedical sciences training and research community in the Houston-Galveston area, They may assist with research grant preparation and may be  engaged with program deliverables, such as project management, reporting, outreach, They facilitate opportunities to collaborate across the Texas Medical Center including meetings/conferences focused on various themes in biomedical research. They oversee research program staff and interact extensively with faculty across multiple biomedical institutions. They may serve as a liaison with granting agencies and institutional partners. 

This position is with the Gulf Coast Consortia (GCC) organization at Rice University.  The Director reports to the GCC Executive Director.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a capable, people-oriented, detail-oriented person, with a track record of excellent customer service in an academic environment. He or she will have experience in assisting with biomedical research program administration and proposal development and in organizing and implementing conferences, workshops and other events to bring together faculty and researchers across multiple institutions.

Workplace Requirements: 

The office for this position is located in the BioScience Research Collaborative, 6500 Main Street, Houston.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Typically, this is 3-4 days/week in the office.  Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Annual Hiring Range: $106,000 to $108,000

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is partially funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree
• Four or more (4+) years facilitating biomedical research collaborations and managing biomedical research programs in academia or industry
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills: 

• Ability to develop complex and / or multiple program partnerships and potential funding sources
• Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
•  Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office suite 
• Excellent data analysis skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules 
• Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans and handling issues when necessary 
• Excellent client service orientation 
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• Strategic skills to craft and implement project plans
• Excellent attention to detail

Preferences:

• Advanced degree (e.g. MS, PhD,) in a biomedical related field
• Familiar with academic, biomedical research institutions in the Texas Medical Center.
• Experience in planning and organizing large events

Essential Functions:

• Leads the development and implementation of major program(s)
• Collaborates with faculty and / or staff leadership to design programs and establish long range strategic and operational plans
• Oversee the operations, administration and evaluation of program
• Identifies and implements program changes to ensure alignment with mission and program effectiveness
• Develops and implements strategies related to outreach, events, communications, development, partnerships and fundraising / funding
• May be responsible for grant preparation and submission or research administration
• May teach a course, seminar or workshop
• May supervise small staff (up to three full-time staff)
• Performs all other duties that assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University 

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.