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Director, Research Planning & Development
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has one of the largest stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy programs in the world, performing more than 850 transplants and cell therapy infusions annually in adults and children.
The Director, Research Planning & Development is a senior-level role within the Cell Therapy Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, providing high-level coordination and scientific support for translational research programs. The Director, Research Planning & Development partners closely with Principal Investigators and multidisciplinary teams to advance research initiatives by integrating scientific expertise with project management, scientific writing, and strategic coordination.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within this mission-driven environment, the Director, Research Planning & Development plays a critical role in ensuring research goals are executed on time, findings are disseminated effectively, and activities align with institutional priorities. The Director, Research Planning & Development serves as a key scientific and operational partner across research programs.
The ideal candidate for this role demonstrates the education, experience, and professional background necessary to support advanced translational research initiatives. Additionally, this candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in Science or medically related field, business or healthcare administration, and demonstrate a strong scientific writing background, including experience with manuscript preparation and delivering scientific presentations for national and international organizations. The candidate will possess a strong foundation in immunology, with additional consideration for hands-on experience working with mouse models.
Salary: Minimum $129,000 - Midpoint $161,500 - Maximum $194,000
Work schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Work location: Onsite.
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to UT MD Anderson’s mission by supporting impactful translational research and advancing scientific discovery that improves patient outcomes. The position supports professional growth through close collaboration with leading investigators, exposure to strategic research initiatives, and a work environment that values scientific rigor, collaboration, and work-life balance.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Scientific Writing & Publications
- Draft, edit, and coordinate manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, including literature review, data interpretation, and figure development
- Collaborate with investigators to translate complex scientific findings into clear, concise written content
- Manage manuscript timelines, journal submissions, revisions, and correspondence with publishers
Progress Reports & Grant Support
- Lead preparation of progress reports such as RPPRs and foundation reports by compiling scientific updates, data summaries, and milestones
- Assist in development and editing of grant applications, including research strategy, biosketches, and supporting documents
- Coordinate input from cross-functional contributors to ensure accuracy and completeness
Scientific Presentations & Communications
- Develop high-quality scientific slides and visual materials for lab meetings, executive briefings, and external presentations
- Synthesize complex datasets into clear graphical summaries and scientific narratives
- Support preparation for conferences, study sections, and sponsor meetings
Project Management & Coordination
- Oversee timelines and deliverables for research projects to ensure alignment with scientific and operational goals
- Facilitate communication across clinical, laboratory, and computational teams
- Track project milestones, identify risks, and implement solutions to maintain progress
Collaboration, Strategy, & Compliance
- Partner with Principal Investigators to prioritize initiatives and manage competing deadlines
- Participate in research meetings to capture action items and drive follow-up
- Contribute to strategic planning for program growth, funding opportunities, and scientific direction
- Ensure adherence to institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and publication standards
- Maintain organized records of manuscripts, reports, and project documentation
Support reproducibility and transparency in scientific communication
Perform other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree in Science or medically related field, business or healthcare administration.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Science or medically related field, business or healthcare administration.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: Eight years Experience in an academic research setting facilitating research program development and management of research resources to include two years of supervisory/management experience.
- Required: Five years Required experience to include two years of supervisory/management experience with Master's degree.
- May substitute required education degree with additional years of experience in research administration management at MDACC on a one to one basis.
- Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
