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 accelerating progress in health outcomes. With a mission to promote longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates in numerous countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to inclusivity and community impact. The AHA is known for its innovative initiatives and educational resources, including the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) and Food EDU, which aim to enhance food quality and health education globally.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager for Health Science, Lab Ecosystem will play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating the global network of laboratories involved in the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) and related programs such as Food EDU and Good Food Fellows. This position is crucial for fostering collaboration and communication among various stakeholders in the food and health sectors. The manager will be responsible for ensuring that the PTFI tools, data, and training are effectively utilized and distributed. The role requires a strong understanding of food composition analysis, food systems, and data science, as well as the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility while contributing to a significant health initiative.

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

• Content Generation: Collaborate in creating scientific reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate progress and best practices within the PTFI ecosystem.
• Communication: Act as the primary contact for the PTFI global ecosystem, addressing inquiries from data users and contributors, and facilitating communication between various stakeholders.
• Coordination: Work closely with PTFI team members to support the onboarding of multi-omics tools, aligning workflows for scientific training distribution and Standard Operating Protocols.
• Monitoring: Track PTFI deliverables and project timelines, ensuring milestones are met and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Contracts and Agreements: Manage contracts and agreements with collaborating labs and service providers, ensuring compliance and effective communication with legal and administrative teams.

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, or Environmental Science, 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 strong understanding of food composition analysis, food systems research, and data science, along with excellent organizational and communication skills to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline. This educational background should ideally include laboratory experience, providing candidates with the necessary skills to understand and engage with complex scientific concepts related to food and health.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of experience in participating in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects. Candidates with global experience will be preferred, as this role involves collaboration across various countries and cultures. The ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a global environment is essential.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the global nature of the role. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the PTFI operates, to facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

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 position is between $100,000 and $115,000, commensurate with experience. The AHA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 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, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays annually. The organization supports professional development through tuition assistance and access to its corporate university, Heart U.