Research Professional 4 - Cellular Therapy Program Manager

Program Manager - Cellular Therapy

Job Description:
The University of Minnesota Medical School is seeking a skilled and motivated Program
Manager to lead and coordinate its cellular therapy initiatives across various
departments. This position will be central to advancing cellular therapy research and
clinical projects, ensuring collaboration across scientific, clinical, and administrative
teams. The Program Manager will provide organizational and managerial skills and
guidance to develop the program, streamline communication, and align project
activities with the strategic goals of the Medical School and its affiliated research and
clinical centers.

Responsibilities:
1. Program Oversight and Strategic Coordination: 40%
o Develop, implement, and oversee a cohesive program strategy for cellular
therapy projects in alignment with the goals of the Medical School.
o Coordinate and facilitate efforts across the School of Medicine
departments, several divisions of the Department of Medicine and clinical
research programs.
o Function as a central point of contact for cellular therapy initiatives,
helping teams anticipate needs and coordinate interdepartmental activities
effectively.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication: 15%
o Serve as the primary liaison between clinical, research, administrative
teams, and industry partners to facilitate communication and coordination
across departments and affiliated research centers.
o Lead and facilitate meetings to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on
project objectives, timelines, and outcomes.
o Ensure seamless interaction with regulatory and compliance bodies,
including the Institutional Review Board (IRB), to maintain compliance with
university and federal guidelines.

3. Program Planning and Execution: 15%
o Create and maintain program plans that outline timelines, resource
allocation, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies, collaborating closely
with project leads.
o Track program progress and make recommendations to optimize
workflows, mitigate risks, and address challenges.
o Assist in securing program funding, including grants, and monitor budget
allocations to ensure effective resource utilization.

4. Data Management and Reporting: 15%
o Oversee program documentation and ensure data integrity
o Prepare and present detailed program reports and updates to key
stakeholders, including department heads and senior leadership.
o Develop metrics to track and assess program success, ensuring projects
remain aligned with the goals of the university and meet regulatory
standards.

5. Regulatory and Quality Assurance Support: 10%
o Work with compliance and regulatory teams to ensure all program
activities align with University of Minnesota and federal regulatory
standards.
o Support the development and maintenance of protocols, policies, and
standard operating procedures and documentation required for audit
readiness.
o Coordinate with quality assurance teams to oversee compliance, audit
requirements, and inspection readiness for clinical trials and research
projects.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Resource Management: 5%
o Foster strong relationships with external partners, industry partners,
collaborators, and funding agencies to support cellular therapy projects
and explore new partnership opportunities.
o Collaborate with university administration to identify and allocate
resources effectively across departments.

o Provide guidance to project teams on best practices in program
management, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications:
Required
* BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or advanced
degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of
education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
* Clinical research experience, working with physician investigators, working in an
academic health centerHC
* Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with a track
record of managing complex, cross-departmental programs.
* Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing multiple priorities.
* Familiarity with reviewing financial documents.

Preferred
* Experience in program management within academic clinical research,
healthcare, or biotechnology settings, ideally involving cellular therapy,
immunotherapy, or stem cell research.
* Strong understanding of clinical research, regulatory requirements, and clinical
trial protocols.
* Ability to navigate and collaborate effectively in an academic research setting.
* Skilled in developing and maintaining relationships across diverse departments
and levels of seniority.
* Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and data
management software, with familiarity in Lean or Agile methodologies a plus.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or advanced
degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of
education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
* Clinical research experience, working with physician investigators, working in an
academic health centerHC
* Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with a track
record of managing complex, cross-departmental programs.
* Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing multiple priorities.
* Familiarity with reviewing financial documents.

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience in program management within academic clinical research,
healthcare, or biotechnology settings, ideally involving cellular therapy,
immunotherapy, or stem cell research.
* Strong understanding of clinical research, regulatory requirements, and clinical
trial protocols.
* Ability to navigate and collaborate effectively in an academic research setting.
* Skilled in developing and maintaining relationships across diverse departments
and levels of seniority.
* Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and data
management software, with familiarity in Lean or Agile methodologies a plus.

Pay Range: $69,555 - $105,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

About the U of M Medical School:

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.