Senior Director, Research Programs

The Senior Director of Research Programs is responsible for the project management team and for overseeing project monitoring, reporting, and delivery in alignment with research strategy goals and tactics. The role provides strategic guidance to senior leadership, project managers, and research team members by ensuring the coordinated planning, execution, and evaluation of the portfolio of research programs. Reporting to the Vice President and Scientific Director at the Jackson Laboratory (JAX-NYSCF), this individual provides high-level leadership for complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion. The individual is responsible for collaborating with diverse stakeholders, leading project teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and standards. This role will be working very closely with industry partners to advance translation models such as those announced in these press releases: 

JAX-NYSCF Collaborative and Janssen  

JAX-NYSCF Collaborative and GSK announce collaboration  

This role is full time onsite at our NYSCFJAX-NYSCF/JAX location in New York City 

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions 

• Define and drive the strategic vision for the research programs portfolio aligned with organizational goals  

• Oversee the full lifecycle of multiple concurrent research programs, from ideation through execution and completion  

• Develop and manage program budgets, timelines, and resource allocation  

• Identify and mitigate program risks and resolve escalated issues  

• Ensure programs meet scientific, regulatory, and compliance standards  

• Drive cross-functional collaboration across departments (research administration, regulatory, finance, operations, etc.)  

• Oversee a portfolio of concurrent project initiatives, ensuring each has defined goals, project frameworks and measurable outcomes at both the project and program levels  

• Establish governance frameworks, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies to keep projects on track  

• Implement KPIs and metrics to track program performance and outcomes  

• Serve as the integrating force across internal research teams to ensure alignment and cohesion across program goals  

• Lead program review and reporting to leadership  

• Manage vendor and partner relationships including academic institutions, government agencies, industry, etc.  

• Lead and mentor teams such as research directors, program managers, and scientists  

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• 5+ years in a leadership role with progressive responsibility  

• 10+ years of relevant experience 

• Proven track record of managing large, complex research programs and cross-functional teams  

• Strong knowledge of research design and scientific methodology  

• High fluency in risk management, decision making and problem solving  

• Exceptional communication skills and stakeholder management experience  

• Experience managing budgets and reviewing financial reports 

• Preferred: 

• M.D/Ph.D in a relevant scientific field, neuroscience preferred 

• Project Management Certification/training (PMP preferred) 

• Experience with budget of $10M+  

• Ability to navigate matrixed environments and lead through influence