Senior Scientific Program Administrator

Overview

The AACR is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Scientific Program Administrator to support the Department of Professional Development. This role involves collaborating with leading experts across the cancer research enterprise to design, manage, and deliver high-quality scientific and professional development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a background in cancer or related bioscience research (basic, translational, clinical, and/or population science) and a demonstrated ability to manage complex scientific programs. This position works closely with Professional Development team members, AACR leadership, and external stakeholders to oversee deliverables, foster innovation, and advance cancer research through career development initiatives for investigators at all career stages.

The Professional Development Department supports the AACR mission by fostering the career advancement of cancer researchers at all stages through promoting professional growth through essential skill training, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives. The Scientific Program Administrator will collaborate with leading cancer researchers worldwide and internal departments to formulate and deliver professional development offerings and member-facing career advancement resources.

Responsibilities

The core function is to bridge the gap between external scientific experts and internal operational teams to ensure the careful design and successful execution of high-quality professional development programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in developing programmatic goals, objectives, and deliverables relevant to AACR member professional development and career advancement needs and interests.
• Managing and tracking multiple deadlines across projects, proposal submissions, reviews, reports, and meetings.
• Maintaining sustained interaction with external scientific leaders and internal teams (marketing, publishing, finance, meeting logistics, etc.) to ensure seamless program execution.
• Overseeing the preparation of records, reports, webpages, and writing detailed meeting minutes. Maintaining accurate and organized repositories for all professional development program activities.
• Supporting specific projects such as grants development and administration, developing data standards, facilitating data sharing strategies, or contributing to scientific publications and white papers.
• Drafting presentations, correspondence, and remarks on behalf of scientific directors and leaders, and serving as a liaison for stakeholders.
• Providing high-level administrative and operational support, including scheduling and stakeholder coordination.
• Managing websites, databases, and social media platforms; may oversee support staff as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director Professional Development

Professional Development and Career Advancement

The role requires the administrator to maintain a working knowledge of all dimensions of cancer research and stay current with emerging trends in fields like cancer biology, data science, AI, and cancer informatics, by working closely with subject matter experts and leadership.

Extensive interaction with a diverse group of leading experts in cancer research, computational biology, and other related sciences provides unparalleled networking opportunities and mentorship potential.

The position hones valuable skills in project management, scientific writing/editing, data analysis, and cross-functional communication, event management, and networking, which are highly transferable within academia, biotech/pharma companies / related industry, and government research labs.

The AACR offers dedicated education, training, and professional advancement series sessions (e.g., at AACR Annual Meetings and special conferences) designed for investigators at all career stages.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• PhD in cancer, bioscience, or a related field, or equivalent advanced scientific training and professional experience.
• 3-5 years of postdoctoral training or equivalent professional experience in a relevant area is required.
• Experience with multi-stakeholder collaborations, committee coordination, or large-scale cancer science initiatives is highly desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of motivation with excellent judgment and well-developed analytical abilities.
• Proven organizational and project management skills.
• Familiarity with Word Press, Open Water, Salesforce platforms a plus.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, demonstrating adaptability and initiative
• Strong professional and interpersonal skills, including working effectively in a team setting with AACR colleagues, members, and leaders, as well as external professionals.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems and virtual, on-demand training and in-person and virtual scientific meeting planning and management a plus.
• Precise attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to following through on projects.
• Command of a second language a plus.

EOE