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 is also known for its commitment to professional development and employee well-being, offering numerous resources and support 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 in relation to 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 role is primarily home-based, allowing for flexibility while managing a critical aspect of the AHA's mission. The Program Manager will be responsible for coordinating a global network of laboratories, facilitating communication, and ensuring the effective use of PTFI tools and data. This position requires a strong understanding of food composition analysis, food systems, and data science, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to drive data-driven solutions for healthier food systems.

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

• Content Generation: Co-creating scientific reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate progress, findings, and best practices within the PTFI ecosystem.
• Communication: Acting as the primary point of contact for the PTFI global ecosystem, addressing agreements and responding to inquiries from data users and contributors.
• Coordination: Collaborating with PTFI team members to support the onboarding of multi-omics tools and aligning workflows for scientific training distribution.
• Monitoring: Overseeing the tracking of PTFI deliverables and project timelines, ensuring milestones are met and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Contracts and Agreements: Managing contracts and agreements with collaborating labs and service providers, working closely with legal and administrative teams to ensure compliance and proper processing of agreements.

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. Additionally, applicants should have at least 3 years of experience in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects, with global experience being preferred. A strong understanding of food composition analysis, food systems research, and data science is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a global environment is crucial, along with a willingness to travel up to 10%, including international travel.

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 similar disciplines. Laboratory experience is highly desirable, as it will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of food systems and data analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in participating in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects. Candidates with global experience will be given preference, as this role involves collaboration across various international stakeholders. The experience should ideally include knowledge of food composition analysis and familiarity with data science methodologies.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the global nature of the role and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered advantageous, particularly if they facilitate communication with international partners.

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. 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, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays annually. The organization supports professional development through tuition assistance and various employee resource groups.