Senior Scientific Program Administrator

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 58,000 members residing in 141 countries, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research.  Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers.  The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in cancer research as well as in related sciences.  The AACR publishes ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds research fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Scientific Program Administrator to support the administration and coordination of the AACR Data Science Task Force. This role involves collaborating with a diverse group of leading experts in data science, cancer research, and computational biology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, computational oncology, or bioinformatics, with a proven ability to manage and align scientific initiatives with organizational goals. The Senior Scientific Program Administrator will work closely with the task force chair, members, and AACR leadership to oversee deliverables, foster innovation, and contribute to advancing cancer research through data science initiatives. The candidate will report to the VP while taking directions from the chair, AACR leadership, and experts.

• Task Force Management: Collaborate with the chair(s), subject matter experts, VP, and AACR leadership to manage the task force, ensuring that task force activities, communications, meetings, events, and deliverables are well coordinated. Work with the VP to make decisions that support the task force's objectives. The Program Associate will assist in executing administrative tasks under the goals and direction of the Task Force.
• Task Force Deliverables: Assist the task force in achieving key deliverables, such as projects, meetings, conferences, and workshops. Support research grants, produce scientific publications and white papers, contribute to fundraising ideas, develop awareness materials, and work on policy guidelines. Establish and manage subcommittees within the Data Science Task Force and help achieve key deliverables under the guidance of the chair.
• Documentation: Oversee the preparation and maintenance of records, reports, and webpages related to the task force’s work. Serve as the lead writer of meeting minutes, ensuring accurate and comprehensive documentation of discussions, decisions, and action items from task force
• meetings. Maintain accurate and organized repositories for task force activities, ensuring accessibility for relevant stakeholders.
• Initiative Support: Support the development of content and resources for the task force and relevant scientific projects. Examples may include but not be limited to:

- Establishing data standards, resources, and models.

- Developing and implementing strategies for data sharing, analysis, and methods development.

- Creating a collaborative community of data scientists.

- Engaging key stakeholders, partnerships, and patient advocates.

• Stay Current on Science and Propose Solutions: Work closely with the chair, subject matter experts, and VP to stay up to date on emerging trends in biomedical data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cancer informatics, therapeutics, challenges, and issues related to cancer research. Collaborate with the VP to propose solutions that guide discussions.
• Meeting Coordination: Schedule and organize meetings, including regular check-ins with the task force and other stakeholders, and assist with coordinating other scientific initiatives.
• Additional Duties: Perform related duties and responsibilities as needed to ensure the smooth operation of scientific initiatives and task forces. Help ensure the success of the Research and Grants Administration department’s initiatives through collaboration on various tasks and projects on an as needed basis.

- Grants Administration: Assist with administering data science-related grants to stay updated on the latest advancements and emerging trends in data science.

Education: PhD in data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related field, preferably with a focus on cancer research. Candidates with 3+ years of postdoctoral training or equivalent professional experience in a relevant area are strongly encouraged to apply.

Experience: At least 3–5 years of scientific experience beyond postdoctoral training is expected. Experience with multi-stakeholder collaborations, committee coordination, or large-scale data science initiatives is highly desirable.

Skills: Expertise in leveraging advanced computational, statistical, and technological approaches to drive cancer research and improve clinical care.  Key areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Bioinformatics

- Development and application of technology platforms to accelerate cancer research and enhance patient care..

- Biomedical data science and machine learning applications in oncology.

• Computational Tools and Analytical Methods

- Creation and utilization of software and resources for analyzing large-scale genomic and biomedical data.

- Integration and application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research and clinical settings.

- Biostatistical methods for clinical trial design and preprocessing high-dimensional data.

• Data Science and Standards

 - Establish and apply computing standards for reproducible, efficient cancer data science.

• Interdisciplinary Approaches

- Development of mathematical models and experimental methods to test computational predictions.

- Ability to help establish standards, resources, and models for Data Science.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- High level of motivation with excellent judgment and well-developed analytical abilities.

- Proven organizational and project management skills.

- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, demonstrating adaptability and initiative

- Strong professional and interpersonal skills, including working effectively in a team setting with AACR colleagues, members, and leaders, as well as external professionals.

- Precise attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously.

- Professional demeanor and commitment to following through on projects.