The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Senior Program Director (PD) to provide the strategic development, pursuit, support and coordination functions for university-wide, multiple-award federal, industry and/or non-profit agreements in biomedical and life sciences areas of focus. The OVPR oversees the strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU’s $700 million research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university’s academic colleges, research institutes and centers, and the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center.

CMU has a significant number of strategic university-wide, multiple-award agreements with federal, industry, and nonprofit sponsors in biomedical and life sciences research, including a growing portfolio of research awards that leverage CMU’s new Biological Innovation Programmable Cloud Lab. The Sr PD will serve as a primary point of contact between the sponsors and CMU researchers/engineers to develop and secure new program tasks and to ensure smooth and timely oversight of the multi-award agreements, including planning, scheduling, and budget and risk assessment across the portfolio and throughout program life cycle.  The Sr PD will identify opportunities to enhance and expand the partnerships to grow the funding and impact of these high-visibility programs. This position will initially report to CMU’s Vice President for Research, and it will collaborate closely with other groups in the OVPR and across CMU.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to leverage CMU’s multi-award agreements and partnerships to drive maximum impact and to deliver concrete outcomes. They will also demonstrate outstanding communication skills, keeping stakeholders involved and informed across multiple workstreams.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Work with CMU leadership to ensure strong, proactive engagement with mission-driven federal and state agencies, companies, foundations, and non-profits in the biomedical and life sciences research areas.
• Partner with CMU researchers and engineers to align project execution with research goals and sponsor expectations, facilitating successful outcomes and long-term impact.
• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive project plans, defining scope, deliverables, schedule, and resource allocation tailored to the unique requirements of strategic federally funded and other high-stakes research initiatives.
• Manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor financial policies, and adapting resource allocations as project needs evolve.
• Build and lead cross-functional project teams, including faculty, technical staff, and administrative personnel; establish governance structures to ensure effective execution and accountability.
• Track program milestones and deliverables, maintaining clear visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies to ensure timely delivery and responsiveness to sponsor needs. Tracks budgets and performs budget risk analyses throughout life of the project.
• Maintain clear and continuous communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on status, challenges, and strategic adjustments. Create reports and presentations as needed in support of project planning and status.
• Monitor shifting sponsor priorities and emerging research opportunities, adjusting plans and team focus to remain aligned with strategic goals.
• Serve as a liaison between university administration and research teams, ensuring institutional support and integration across departments for sponsored initiatives.
• Engage with leadership at the planning phase of new projects to identify the business needs, application requirements, and business processes that require reengineering or design to support the initiatives and projects.
• Create reports and presentations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in science, technology, or related fields.
• Strong background in biomedical and life sciences research and translation
• Demonstrated mastery of project management principles and methodologies including successful implementation of projects in a complex organization
• Strong analytical, organizational and team-building skills
• Excellent oral/written communication skills, as well as diplomacy and a high level of professionalism
• Experience managing change and process improvements in a highly decentralized environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. degree in science, technology, or related field
• Prior work with federal agencies, companies, and foundations
• Experience in higher education or research setting
• Prior experience supporting highly technical programs in computer science, AI, robotics, autonomy, and/or biological sciences

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Program, Project and Operations Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: