Join our Team

The University of Southern California (USC) is actively seeking a full-time Program Manager for a new clinical program, the USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic (AC) which will provide critical infrastructure and support for clinical trials testing new cell and gene therapies for a variety of conditions and diseases. The successful candidate will report to Program Director for the Alpha Clinic and will be responsible for managing program operations, services, day-to-day activities and administrative functions, as well as participating in development of short- and long-term program strategies and managing staff, budgets, tracking and reporting. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced program manager with a strong background in clinical research and clinical trials.

The USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic

USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) are partnering on an exciting new program to promote clinical development of novel cell and gene therapies to treat a variety of human diseases. The AC has a four-part mission to: (a) advance and support clinical trials and therapeutic development for cell and gene therapies; (b) engage diverse and underserved communities in those trials and the resulting therapies; (c) provide training and education to researchers, staff, patients, and communities; and (d) exchange novel expertise with other AC network sites through lead offerings.

The AC will support and accelerate pre-award planning and protocol development, IND submissions, clinical trial activation, trial conduct, data analysis, and reporting. We will serve as an important node in the state-wide network of Alpha Clinics supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, sharing expertise and best practices with other leading medical centers conducting cell and gene therapy trials. The AC will also provide training and actively engage the diverse communities of Los Angeles in research to improve their health. The Program Manager will be the senior staff member on the AC team, reporting to the director and overseeing staff and operations.

Job Accountabilities

• Plans and develops clinical research infrastructure program objectives and/or content.
• Coordinates and supervises teams’ daily activities and sets priorities to ensure
  tasks are completed. Manages day-to-day administration of a broad range of
  programs and activities (e.g., calendar management, event coordination).

• Develops and manages program operating and administrative policies and
  procedures. Manages the implementation and evaluation of programs. Develops program plans and facilitates issue resolutions to reach stated goals and objectives. Addresses program-related questions and resolves problems.

• Works with HR and Program Director to hire and onboard new staff; ensures all required trainings and certifications for specific roles are completed; provides opportunities to shadow existing staff. Supervises, trains, and develops staff. Manages and communicates ongoing changes in tasks, goals or performance. Builds team morale through staff meetings, team building and events.

• Manages budget and resource allocations to reach program objectives, and
  provides financial status reports as requested. Uses formal processes and tools for analyzing and managing resources, budgets, risk and program changes to reach program objectives. Identifies fundraising opportunities and seeks funds for program operations.

• Works in close interaction with the program leadership to assemble and submit intermediate and final reports.

• Provides administrative and programmatic support to program-related meetings.

• Works with other internal and external groups to promote, catalyze and support collaborative cross-disciplinary teams and projects.

• Develops marketing strategies to promote programs. Participates in professional
  conferences and provides marketing and public relations support.

• Conducts initial meetings with new PI(s) and teams; ensures new staff is acclimated to their roles and responsibilities.

• Serves as point of contact for all questions from coordinators.

• Serve as the liaison between coordinators and PI/study teams. Troubleshoot personnel issues amongst PI/staff and coordinators.

Requirements

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience:
5 years in a clinical research setting

Preferred Education:
Master's degree

Preferred Experience:
7 years in a clinical research setting

Minimum Field of Expertise:

• Related experience with specialized research and/or programs (e.g., translational research project management, clinical trials management).
• Ability to multitask, collaborate and prioritize.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data and present findings.
• Proficient communication skills including writing skills and the ability to speak clearly and concisely.

• Able to problem solve and lead conflict resolutions.
• Ability to deliver feedback in an effective manner.
• Experience in budget management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies/analyses/trends.

Preferred Field of Expertise:

• Seven years of related experience with specialized research and/or programs.
• Related special education, licensing, or certifications based upon program content and services.
• Proven ability to lead and guide others.

• Experienced in stem cell and gene therapeutic development.

The annual base salary range for this position is $ 108,700 - $130,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.”