Research Program Associate Director

University of Wisconsin-Madison

. Provide leadership and oversight for extensive Department of Pediatrics research operations .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex research portfolios, overseeing pre- and post-award research administration, and providing strategic leadership in academic and health care settings. Proficient in financial management, proposal development, and training for research administration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Research Administration OversightFinancial ManagementProposal DevelopmentSupervisory ExperienceClinical Trials Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Budget PlanningPost-Award Financial ManagementProposal DevelopmentAutomated Financial SystemsResearch Portfolio ManagementData AnalysisROI AnalysisPolicy ImplementationResearch Project ManagementStaffing Level Planning

Soft Skills

LeadershipStrategic PlanningCommunicationCollaborationTraining Development

Industry Keywords

Department of PediatricsHealth Care SettingAcademic ResearchResearch OperationsStakeholder LiaisonResearch Administration EducationMulti-Disciplinary ResearchResearch Content DevelopmentPrincipal InvestigatorsStartup Funding Requests

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide leadership and oversight for extensive Department of Pediatrics research operations
Provide leadership and strategic planning for centralized pre- and post-award research administration and support operations
Work closely with academic operations, research operations and development, clinical research, and pre- and post-award management leaders
Compile, analyze, and present proposal, award, trend, and national-ranking data to departmental, medical school, and health system leadership
Strategize, refine, and implement policies and procedures supporting research and academic success
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting with principal investigators and plan research group/lab staffing levels
Lead and coordinate research and development grant proposals, awards, and indirect cost return allocations
Prepare return-on-investment analyses for department leadership
Maintain and develop research content for the department website and intranet
Develop and lead research administration education and training opportunities
Lead research-related faculty onboarding, including startup funding requests, orientations, and check-ins during the first 18 months
Directly supervise 2.0 FTE and indirectly supervise 7.0 FTE
Manage large research projects and strategic initiatives
Determine personnel needs and resource allocation plans
Serve as liaison to internal stakeholder groups and consultant to project directors
Provide technical expertise to research and operational personnel

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least five years of progressive responsibility in managing complex, multi-disciplinary research portfolios in an academic and/or health care setting
Experience with pre- and post-award research administration oversight, proposal development, budget planning and preparation, and automated financial systems
Direct, hands-on post-award financial management experience with principal investigators, demonstrating a strong understanding of and experience managing the research portfolio of a complex research enterprise
At least one year of supervisory experience
Experience with clinical trials and/or a large, complex medical center is strongly preferred
At least two years of post-award financial management experience is strongly preferred
At least two years of supervisory experience
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Continuous eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
Must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work
Cover letter and resume required
Employment may require a criminal background check

Benefits

Comp & perks

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