Program Director - Head & Neck Surgery

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Surgery division is dedicated to advancing oncologic surgery through safe, high-quality, multidisciplinary patient care, research, and education. The division is composed of 10 specialized academic departments and includes surgeons, advanced practice providers, researchers, and administrative professionals. The Research Program Manager will work closely with partners across the institution, particularly Perioperative Services and Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine to support research operations and strategic initiatives.

The Research Program Manager plays a critical role in coordinating complex translational and clinical research activities that support the division's mission.

UT MD Anderson is one of the world's leading centers focused exclusively on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Through innovative clinical research and multidisciplinary collaboration, UT MD Anderson advances discoveries that improve outcomes for patients and communities worldwide. The Research Program Manager will contribute to strategic research growth, operational excellence, and scientific advancement across a dynamic academic healthcare environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Biology, extensive experience managing translational and clinical research programs, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated expertise in scientific program development, research administration, clinical research oversight, financial management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders. The successful candidate will be adaptable, strategic, and comfortable addressing evolving research challenges and opportunities.

Salary:
Minimum $ 92,500.00 - Midpoint $  - Maximum $

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking cancer research while supporting strategic initiatives that improve patient outcomes. The position provides broad exposure to clinical and translational research, collaborative partnerships across disciplines, leadership opportunities, professional development, and meaningful contributions to UT MD Anderson's mission of eliminating cancer through outstanding programs in patient care, research, education, and prevention.

- 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.

Responsibilities

Scientific & Strategic Program Management

- Develop strategic and tactical plans supporting ongoing research activities and long-term programmatic initiatives

- Lead multidisciplinary and multi-investigator research programs across institutional and external partners

- Coordinate development and implementation of multi-institutional consortium networks and collaborations

- Establish and strengthen relationships with institutional, departmental, and extramural collaborators

- Analyze operational processes and implement workflow optimization strategies to improve efficiency and productivity

- Monitor active research projects and maintain systems tracking deliverables, milestones, and timelines

- Develop and oversee systems, policies, and procedures supporting clinical and translational research protocols

- Coordinate advisory boards, planning committees, retreats, and collaborative research meetings

- Serve as liaison to pharmaceutical companies, community physicians, partner institutions, and sponsoring agencies

- Participate in departmental and institutional committees and present program initiatives as assigned

Research Administration

- Oversee pre-award and post-award management of grants, contracts, clinical studies, and research programs

- Direct development and submission of complex NIH, CPRIT, institutional, and philanthropic funding applications

- Prepare integrated scientific, administrative, and supporting grant application documents

- Review, edit, and revise funding applications, progress reports, and research communications for compliance and accuracy

- Develop grant timelines, reporting schedules, progress tracking systems, and compliance monitoring tools

- Prepare presentations, strategic plans, business plans, reports, and research documentation

- Coordinate RPPR submissions, progress reports, no-cost extensions, closeout activities, and sponsor documentation

- Serve as liaison between investigators, institutional offices, and sponsoring agencies

- Identify funding opportunities supporting strategic extramural and philanthropic initiatives

Clinical Research &…