MRI Research Program Director

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Position Description

The MRI Research Program Director is a high visibility position, is a key member of the executive team, and will lead the development, implementation and management of the vision, strategy and goals for the MRI Research Program. The program director will develop and implement a strategic plan for the MRI team that includes: new scientific and research opportunities; faculty, staff, post-doc, and student retention and career development; philanthropic opportunities and engagement; multi-institutional engagement to fully integrate the MRI team's needs/plans; coordination of a center-level grant submission and award to sustain the MRI research team's infrastructure; coordination of the recruitment of new mission-critical faculty, staff, post-docs and students to sustain the scientific strategic plan; and fiscal leadership of the existing grant awards and planned grant opportunities to ensure that funds are best used to meet the needs of the MRI research team.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a key member of the MRI research leadership team. Work with the MRI faculty, staff, and trainees to define, build, and sustain a coordinated strategic plan for the MRI research team. The primary tenants of this strategic plan will include: a coordinated scientific plan across the funded and planned research projects of ~20 MRI research faculty that aligns with the mission and plans for CWRU and UH; an aggressive marketing and recruiting and career development plans for faculty, staff, and trainees to sustain the MRI research team and efforts; and define strategic interactions and activities between the MRI research team and industrial partners. (20%)
• Develop and coordinate faculty research interest and research funding opportunities, support faculty to prepare large collaborative, multi-investigator, and/or center-level (P-level) grant proposals to support imaging research, and serve as a direct point of contact for external sponsors. Facilitate collaborative interactions within and outside of the MRI research team by coordinating new and expanded technology development teams. (20%)
• Anticipate the needs of the MRI research team and provide strategic advice on an ongoing basis. Make high-level decisions and suggest problem resolutions and procedures that best meet the short-term and long-term needs of the MRI research team. (20%)
• Interact closely with leadership of the Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and University Hospitals (UH) and external institutions to help engage physician scientists across the region. (10%)
• Work with the development offices of CWRU and UH to help to identify key philanthropic opportunities for the MRI research team. (10%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Functions

• Define joint project goals, including establishment of milestones and deliverables, coordination of project developments, and the creation and publication of joint press releases near significant project milestones. (5%)
• Provide leadership and manage the marketing and public relations initiatives for the MRI research team. This involves creation of multi-media communications, website design and multi-institutional corporate branding. (5%)
• Identify key opportunities to streamline administrative activities of the MRI research team in their interactions with teams at CWRU and UH. For example, identify mechanisms to improve interactions and processes with the CWRU SOM administrative teams to streamline grant submissions, post-award spending, purchasing, and hiring. (3%)
• Oversee personnel on-boarding activities as well as continued compliance in accordance with the values of the institutions and the MRI research team. (3%)
• Remain committed to compliance with all University policies and legal regulations in every area of the center's daily activities, including fostering development of short and long-term plans, policies, and guidelines in this area. (2%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
  
  
  

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with department leadership as well as the faculty, staff, and trainees of the MRI Research Team.

University: Regular contact and collaboration with key executives across CWRU and UH, CWRU/UH administration, development and external relations, marketing and communications, legal, etc. Contact with directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Regular contact with affiliated executives and administrators (leadership) and leadership from collaborating programs. Contact with donors, alumni, foundation representatives, community organizers/ advocates, corporate executives as well as federal, state and local government officials. Contact with officials and academic boards and organizations as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students as required to perform essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise professionals and additional staff, departmental assistants, and undergraduate student workers as required by the strategic initiatives of the MRI research team.

Qualifications

Experience: 10 years of progressive professional and/or scientific experience required, preferably in a highly complex, matrixed organization such as an academic medical center, medical school teaching hospital, university central offices, and/or academic professional school. Must have strong demonstrable experience in developing and leading strategic plans which easily adapt to a higher education environment. Prior experience with direction and/or leadership of a science-oriented academic center in a university environment is preferred.

Education: A Master's degree in biomedical engineering or other related discipline is required; a Doctoral degree is strongly preferred.

Required Skills

• Outstanding management skills to direct and oversee impact investments and fundraising efforts. Aptitude for forging and maintaining fruitful relationships of trust with shareholders, partners, and external authorities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to interact and influence at the most senior levels of an organization and to work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments toward shared objectives.
• Display poise and strength of character. Ability to work well under pressure, take proactive measures against possible challenges, and resolve issues quickly, managing crises rapidly and effectively when necessary.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Resourceful team player with can-do attitude, global mindset and intercultural openness, intercultural awareness, and ability to cooperate and navigate in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Highly collaborative, team-oriented, adaptable/flexible mindset. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Be a skilled coach and mentor with a strong career development approach to leadership.
• Must be strong willed, a fast learner and able to effect changes.
• Must be focused on quality and delivering excellent service.
• Strong organizational skills in planning, organizing, prioritizing and leading multiple, diverse efforts with a broad spectrum of team members including faculty, staff, students, and post-doctoral fellows.
• Sound management and supervisory skills, ability to think strategically while balancing several complex agendas.
• Ability to work cooperatively and strategically in a team environment with all levels of professional, technical, and administrative staff and to integrate resources on a timely and organized basis.
• Highly proficient in all relevant software programs needed to direct the MRI research program as well as the ability to learn new programs as necessary.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office work environment. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends. Must be able to travel.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.