Director, Research Planning & Development

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has one of the largest stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy programs in the world, performing more than 850 transplants and cell therapy infusions annually in adults and children.

The Director, Research Planning & Development is a senior-level role within the Cell Therapy Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, providing high-level coordination and scientific support for translational research programs. The Director partners closely with Principal Investigators and multidisciplinary teams to advance research initiatives by integrating scientific expertise with project management, scientific writing, and strategic coordination.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Director, Research Planning & Development plays a critical role in ensuring research goals are executed on time, findings are disseminated effectively, and activities align with institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate for this role demonstrates the education, experience, and professional background necessary to support advanced translational research initiatives. The candidate will hold a bachelor's degree or higher in Science or a medically related field, business or healthcare administration, and demonstrate a strong scientific writing background, including experience with manuscript preparation and delivering scientific presentations for national and international organizations.

A strong foundation in immunology, with additional consideration for hands‑on experience working with mouse models, is required.

Salary:
Minimum $129,000 - Midpoint $161,500 - Maximum $194,000

Work schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Work location:

Onsite.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to UT MD Anderson's mission by supporting impactful translational research and advancing scientific discovery that improves patient outcomes. The position supports professional growth through close collaboration with leading investigators, exposure to strategic research initiatives, and a work environment that values scientific rigor, collaboration, and work‑life balance.

• Employer‑paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined‑benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer‑paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

• Draft, edit, and coordinate manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publications, including literature review, data interpretation, and figure development.
• Collaborate with investigators to translate complex scientific findings into clear, concise written content.
• Manage manuscript timelines, journal submissions, revisions, and correspondence with publishers.

• Lead preparation of progress reports such as RPPRs and foundation reports by compiling scientific updates, data summaries, and milestones.
• Assist in development and editing of grant applications, including research strategy, biosketches, and supporting documents.
• Coordinate input from cross‑functional contributors to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Develop high‑quality scientific slides and visual materials for lab meetings, executive briefings, and external presentations.
• Synthesize complex datasets into clear graphical summaries and scientific narratives.
• Support preparation for conferences, study sections, and sponsor meetings.

• Oversee timelines and deliverables for research projects to ensure alignment with scientific and operational goals.
• Facilitate communication across clinical, laboratory, and computational teams.
• Track project milestones, identify risks, and implement…