Scientific Program Director (PhD) - Genetics & Genomics Research

The Scientific Program Director provides high-level scientific, regulatory, and operational leadership in support of science research programs within the assigned department. Working closely with Principal Investigator, faculty, research staff, trainees, institutional offices, administration, and external collaborators, this individual manages complex research initiatives from proposal development through execution and reporting.

The position serves as the primary administrative partner to faculty and trainees for sponsored research activities, including grant development, regulatory compliance, scientific reporting, project coordination, and research operations. The Senior Research Program Manager oversees multiple concurrent research programs, facilitates multidisciplinary collaborations, monitors project milestones and deliverables, coordinates regulatory submissions, and develops systems that support efficient and compliant research administration.

This role requires a strong scientific background in genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related discipline, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and the ability to translate complex research objectives into effective operational plans.

• Serve as the primary administrative and scientific contact for multiple research programs and complex multi-investigator initiatives, supporting studies utilizing both in vitro cellular systems and in vivo mouse models.

• Collaborating with PIs to coordinate project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements for federal and nonfederal funded research programs.

• Coordinate scientific meetings, advisory committee meetings, program reviews, and collaborative working groups by preparing agendas, assembling meeting materials, documenting action items, and tracking follow-up activities.

• Work closely with Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP) to coordinate collaborations among investigators, institutional departments, and external research partners.

• Assist investigators with scientific preparation and submission of federal and non-federal grant applications.

• Coordinate preparation of RPPRs, Just-in-Time submissions, supplements, and sponsor-required documentation.

• Preparation of data request submissions and annual progress reports to BioMe and public repositories (e.g. dbGaP, NIAGADs, NCRAD, UK Biobank).

• Partner with departmental pre-award and post-award grants administration teams to assist with budget development, monitor expenditures, review financial reports, identify spending trends, and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.

• Prepare, coordinate, and maintain regulatory documentation including IRB, IACUC, eSafety, biosafety, and other institutional compliance submissions, ensuring research activities remain compliant with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

• Track protocol approvals, continuing reviews, amendments, and compliance deadlines.

• Coordinate research operations  including equipment acquisitions, facilities coordination, service contracts, and laboratory logistics.

• Develop SOPs and administrative workflows that improve operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and mentoring of research personnel and junior administrative staff including screening candidates, interviewing technical staff, and working with HR on hiring and Labor Relations on termination.

• Participates in departmental initiatives, operational planning, and other related duties as assigned.

Education Requirements                                                                                                                 

PhD in Genetics, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field required. Master's degree with significant experience in scientific research administration may be considered.

Experience Requirements                                                                                                                

• 5–8 years supporting academic biomedical research programs.

• Experience with NIH-funded grants and sponsored research administration.

• Experience preparing grant applications, progress reports, and regulatory submissions.

• Experience coordinating complex multi-investigator research programs.

• Background in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, or molecular biology strongly preferred.

General Skills and Competencies                                                                                                   

1. Strong scientific background with the ability to interpret biomedical research.

2. Knowledge of NIH funding mechanisms and grant administration.

3. Experience preparing IRB, IACUC, eSafety, and regulatory documentation.

4. Excellent scientific writing and editing skills.

5. Strong project management and organizational skills.

6. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

7. Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

8. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

9. Ability to work independently with sound judgment.

10. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and research administration software.

11. Experience using Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) or similar procurement and financial management systems is preferred.