Research Program Manager

The Discovery Sciences team at RTI International has been involved in conducting a broad array of natural sciences research for more than 30 years. Discovery Sciences has an experienced team of scientists and is well equipped with advanced instrumentation and infrastructure for chemical analyses, including:

• High-throughput screening
• Measurements of contaminants in environmental media
• Analytical method development
• Chemical characterization
• Dose formulation development, validation, and dose analysis
• Bioanalytical method development, validation, and analysis
• Stability measurements
• Pharmacokinetic studies
• In vitro studies
• Targeted and non-targeted assays
• Metabolomics and proteomics research

Our focus on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) research aims to address one of the most pressing environmental health issues of our time. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced analytical chemist to serve as PFAS Program Manager to build and lead a portfolio of government-funded and private sector research projects focused on identifying and quantitating these substances in a variety of media.

You will oversee the planning, execution, and dissemination of research findings, ensuring compliance with funding sponsor requirements and alignment with our organization’s mission and goals. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with colleagues working on the development of PFAS remediation technologies, custom synthesized fluorinated compounds, environmental monitoring programs, bioanalytical measurements, proficiency testing programs, and total organic fluorine measurements.

Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Lead multiple PFAS research projects funded by state and federal agencies and industry, communicating regularly with clients.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, training documents, and other project- and program-specific quality documents, as needed.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

 Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary research team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Develop and support a team quality culture that ensures PFAS data of known and documented quality.
• Identify staff and product certifications, laboratory accreditations, and licenses needed to support PFAS program development.

Research Development:

• Design and implement robust research methodologies to investigate PFAS contamination, exposure, and mitigation.
• Stay current with the latest scientific advancements in PFAS research and integrate relevant findings into ongoing projects.

 Proposal Management:

• Prepare and submit proposals to secure government and private sector funding for PFAS research.
• Collaborate on submission of large multidisciplinary bids for research funding.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Oversee the collection, analysis, quality, and interpretation of research data.
• Prepare and disseminate research findings through technical project reports, publications, presentations, and conferences.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, RTI and other technical collaborators, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate research progress and outcomes to stakeholders and the public effectively.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and research methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a research team.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• A track record of successful collaborations.

Qualifications:

• PhD. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Toxicology, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience managing scientific research projects, preferably in the environmental or public health sectors.
• Demonstrated experience and stature with PFAS research and government-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing and/or securing government funding.
• A demonstrated track record of published research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated familiarity with regulatory frameworks and policies related to PFAS.

Source: https://careers.rti.org/jobs/12375?lang=en-us