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 the most pressing health challenges and is committed to ensuring 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. The AHA is known for its innovative initiatives, such as the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI), which aims to enhance food quality and promote sustainable food systems. The AHA also provides numerous resources for employee development and well-being, including training programs and a supportive work environment.

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. This position is essential for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the food, agriculture, and health sectors. The manager will be responsible for ensuring effective communication and coordination among the PTFI, Good Food Fellows, and Food EDU ecosystems. The role requires a strong understanding of food composition analysis, food systems, and data science to facilitate the distribution and application of PTFI tools and training. 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: Collaborating to create scientific reports, presentations, and documentation that communicate progress, findings, and best practices within the PTFI ecosystem.
• Communication: Acting as the primary contact for the PTFI global ecosystem, addressing inquiries from data users and contributors, and coordinating communications among various stakeholders.
• Coordination: Working closely with PTFI team members to facilitate 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, 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. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of experience in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects is required, with global experience being preferred. Applicants 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.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline. This educational foundation should ideally include laboratory experience, providing candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role. The focus on advanced degrees underscores the importance of a strong scientific background in addressing the complexities of food systems and health.

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, allowing the candidate to navigate diverse cultural and operational landscapes effectively. The emphasis on experience highlights the need for a candidate who can manage complex projects and collaborate with various stakeholders in the health and food sectors.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the global nature of the role and the need for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the PTFI operates, to enhance collaboration and outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, fixed-term opportunity, 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, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program. Employees also benefit from professional development opportunities, work-life harmonization policies, and tuition assistance programs to support their career growth.