Director of Program (Senior Research Associate STS) en Case Western Reserve University

Date: September 2025

Job Title: Senior Research Associate, Specialized Technical Skills (STS)

Business Title: Director of Program

Department: Department of Medicine- Infectious Diseases (698245)

School: Medicine

Location: Cleveland, OH

Supervisor Name and Title: Igho Ofotokun, M.D., Chair, Department of Medicine

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Research Associate will lead multiple complex projects by defining project scope, objectives and deliverables, while coordinating efforts across various stakeholders. This position will design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise staff and students, and drive projects to execution. The Senior Research Associate will also actively monitor progress against established goals, analyzing performance metrics, and making necessary adjustments to ensure alignment with our team's objectives. Through effective leadership and strategic oversight, the Senior Research Associate aims to achieve optimal results that contribute to the overall success of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.     Leads multiple projects through the strategic planning process by facilitating collaborative discussions, identifying key performance indicators and establishing timelines to drive initiatives forward (15%).

2.     Closely monitors project progress and makes necessary adjustments to ensure project goals are being met (10%).

3.     Provides regular updates to stakeholders, fostering open communication, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle (10%).

4.     Develops and administers project budgets by meticulously analyzing project requirements and forecasting financial needs to ensure adequate resource allocation. This involves setting budgetary limits, monitoring expenditures, and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities throughout the project lifecycle (10%).

5.     Actively participates in the identification of funding sources by researching potential grants, partnerships, and other financial opportunities that align with the team’s objectives. Engages in initiatives aimed at enhancing funding strategies by contributing insights and recommendations based on ongoing projects and team’s needs. Works closely with team members to align funding opportunities with strategic goals, ensuring that resources are directed towards priority areas. Supports proposal generation by collaborating with subject matter experts to develop compelling grant applications and project proposals. This includes drafting content, gathering necessary data, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements. Provides guidance on budgeting and project planning to create comprehensive and competitive submissions. (10%).

6.     Prepares comprehensive documents for articles, educational materials, presentations, and reporting requirements by gathering and synthesizing relevant data, insights, and project outcomes. Conducting meticulous research to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the sponsors' expectations or educational goals (both continuing education and graduate credit). Designs visually appealing and informative slides that effectively communicate complex concepts and project results. For reporting requirements, meticulously compiles and organizes necessary documentation in accordance with sponsor guidelines, ensuring timely submission. This additionally involves creating detailed reports that outline project progress, outcomes, budget usage, and any challenges faced, demonstrating transparency and accountability to sponsor agencies. (10%).

7.     Serves as a liaison with other university departments, affiliated organizations, and sponsors by facilitating effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in projects. Acts as a representative for projects at meetings and events, delivering presentations, and sharing progress updates, key findings, and future directions to a diverse audience. Works to promote awareness and support for initiatives by participating in cross-departmental committees, workshops, and forums. This helps to foster collaboration and enhance visibility for the projects within the broader university community and among external partners, vital for the success of current and future initiatives. (10%).

8.     Writes grants, reports, briefings, newsletters, promotional or other written material related to the project (10%).

9.     Supervises the research and technical work performed by project staff (10%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned (5%).

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other departments for collaboration

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff members under their purview, ensuring a skilled and effective team. This includes developing job descriptions, conducting interviews, onboarding new employees, providing ongoing guidance and support, and conducting performance evaluations. Facilitating professional development opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and addressing any personnel issues that may arise to enhance team cohesion and productivity.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience required.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1.     Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.

2.     Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.

3.     Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.   

4.     Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff. 

5.     Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.  Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.

6.     Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making. 

7.     Good computer skills, including database management, power point and virtual communication tools (i.e. Zoom, Teams, etc.). Ability to learn new programs as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This role involves a mix of office-based related functions. No hazard or lab exposures. No work with animals or mice. Evening and weekend hours may be applicable during peak periods. Transporting/moving items up to 25 lbs at various times. This role may involve driving or transporting training related materials.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience required.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree.