Program Manager, Health Science, Lab Ecosystem

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) was founded in 1924 and has since made significant strides in reducing cardiovascular disease deaths by half. The organization is dedicated to addressing major health challenges and is committed to fostering a healthier future for all. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and values the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and valued. The AHA also provides numerous resources to support work-life balance and professional development for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager for Health Science, Lab Ecosystem will play a pivotal role in supporting the American Heart Association's National Center office, specifically focusing on the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI). This initiative aims to provide standardized multi-omics tools, data, and training to enhance the understanding of food quality across the globe. The Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating a global network of laboratories, facilitating communication among various stakeholders, and ensuring the effective distribution and utilization of PTFI tools and data. This position requires a strong background in food composition analysis, food systems, and data science, as well as excellent communication skills to foster collaboration within the PTFI and Food EDU ecosystems. The role is designed to be home-based, allowing for flexibility while contributing to significant health initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lab Ecosystem Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Content Generation: Co-create scientific reports, presentations, and documentation to disseminate progress, findings, and best practices across the PTFI ecosystem.
• Communication: Act as the primary contact for the PTFI global ecosystem, addressing agreements and responding to inquiries from data users and contributors. Facilitate communication between PTFI, Good Food Fellows, and Food EDU ecosystems. Direct users to available resources, including PTFI data platforms and Food EDU training sessions.
• Coordination: Collaborate with PTFI team members to support the onboarding of multi-omics tools, aligning workflows for the distribution of scientific training and Standard Operating Protocols for various processes, including food collection and data management.
• Monitoring: Oversee the tracking of PTFI deliverables and project timelines, ensuring milestones are met and risk mitigation strategies are implemented. Provide feedback to enhance processes and offerings.
• Contracts and Agreements: Manage contracts and agreements with collaborating labs, vendors, and service providers, working closely with legal and administrative teams to process agreements and financial disbursements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field such as Nutrition, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, ideally with laboratory experience. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of experience in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects is required, with global experience being preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of food composition analysis, food systems research, and data science. Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences are essential. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a global environment is also necessary, along with a willingness to travel up to 10%, including international travel and overnight stays.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field. This could encompass areas such as Nutrition, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Public Health, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines. Laboratory experience is highly desirable, as it will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 3 years of experience in participating in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects. This experience should ideally include global exposure, which will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of international collaboration and communication within the PTFI and Food EDU ecosystems.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the nature of the role and the need for effective communication across diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills could be beneficial, particularly if they align with the regions where the PTFI operates or where collaboration with international partners is expected.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, fixed-term position with current funding set to expire on June 30, 2026, although there is a possibility for extension. The expected salary range for this role is between $100,000 and $115,000, commensurate with experience, and geographic differentials may apply. The American Heart Association offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program. Employees are also entitled to a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, with additional days based on seniority, and 12 paid holidays annually. The organization supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to an extensive online university, HeartU.