Director of Research

University of Wisconsin-Madison

. Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for the Department of Medicine’s research portfolio .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesLead💰 $185,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive leadership in managing complex research portfolios, with a strong focus on strategic planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to enhance research infrastructure and support faculty in advancing research initiatives within a matrixed organizational structure.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Research Administration OversightBudget Planning and PreparationStrategic Planning InitiativesLeadership and MentorshipStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Pre-and Post-Award Research AdministrationProposal DevelopmentFinancial Systems ManagementOperational ManagementData Analysis and PresentationResearch Program PoliciesGrant AdministrationResource AllocationOrganizational AssessmentConflict Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Oral and Written CommunicationTeam BuildingDecision-MakingNegotiationSound Judgment

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMaster’s Degree in Business Administration or Healthcare Administration (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Academic MedicineHealthcare ResearchMultidisciplinary Research PortfoliosClinical ResearchHealth Services ResearchResearch FundingMatrixed Management StructureResearch Communication StrategiesProfessional Development in GrantsmanshipResearch Infrastructure

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for the Department of Medicine’s research portfolio
Develop, implement, and direct research program policies, procedures, and operational strategies
Lead long-term research strategic planning initiatives and align research programs with departmental and institutional priorities
Serve as a key liaison and spokesperson for the Department of Medicine with internal and external stakeholders
Develop, monitor, and audit research program budgets and allocate resources to support strategic priorities
Identify and pursue opportunities to secure research funding and strengthen research infrastructure
Assess organizational structures, systems, and processes and implement improvements to support research growth and effectiveness
Provide leadership, supervision, mentorship, and professional development for research administration staff
Build collaborative relationships across a complex, matrixed organization and navigate competing priorities
Support faculty and research leaders in developing and advancing successful research programs
Oversee departmental research events and research communication strategies, including professional development in grantsmanship
Lead within a complex matrix spanning UW-Madison, the School of Medicine and Public Health, UW Health, and the VA
Oversee central research resource allocation and shared research/processing laboratory spaces
Capture, analyze, and present data to department leadership related to proposal statistics, award information, historical funding/trends, national rankings, and related metrics
Develop, direct, and evaluate research program strategic planning initiatives and establish objectives for financial, administrative, and staffing resources
Exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 full-time equivalent employees

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree Required
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience managing complex, multidisciplinary research portfolios in an academic, healthcare, or comparable environment
At least 5 years direct experience with pre-and post-award research administration oversight, proposal development, budget planning and preparation, financial systems and administrative management of basic science and large and complex clinical and health services research programs
A minimum of 5 years experience administering large center/program project grants and training
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated experience supporting and administering basic science, clinical, and health services research programs, including large and complex research portfolios
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the multiple missions of academic medicine, including education, research, clinical care, and community service
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience
Proven ability to lead within a matrixed-management structure and build effective relationships across organizational boundaries
Demonstrated experience with faculty relations, team building, organizational assessment, decision-making, and staff development
Strong operational management, organizational, financial, analytical, negotiation, and conflict-management skills
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in high-pressure situations
Master’s degree in business administration, healthcare administration, or a closely related field (preferred)
Must ensure continuous eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
University sponsorship is not available, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas
Cover Letter and Resume required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Competitive insurances and savings accounts
Retirement benefits