Academic Program Manager Full Time

The Drug Research Unit (DRU) is seeking an Academic Program Manager who will independently manage and provide technical direction for the Drug Research Unit (DRU) in collaboration with the faculty director. This role involves overseeing program operations, developing strategic goals, expanding research capabilities, and fostering collaborations with academic and industry partners. The Program Manager will also play a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence and supporting the DRU’s mission to provide cutting-edge pharmacologic research and education.

The Drug Research Unit (DRU) within the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, is a biomedical research and training program at UCSF where faculty, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and students conduct innovative drug research, with a focus on pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). The DRU provides research services, scientific leadership, laboratory resources, and mentorship to advance drug research for therapeutic interventions across diverse populations.

Responsibilities

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

40

Yes Manages the design and development of major research program components and oversees execution of funded programs. Identifies and develops continuance of funding from multiple external sources.

20

Yes Develops and executes strategic plan for financing program activities and ensuring ongoing sustainability of program.

20

Yes Ensures through subordinates varied and competing requirements associated with managing an innovative program in a university and / or government environment.

5

Yes Plans, directs and controls program budget(s) and manages financial, HR, technical and other supporting resources.

5

Yes Ensures the assessment and success of the program(s) effectiveness, and recommends changes to program’s content, policies and strategic goals accordingly.

5

Yes Develops and maintains liaisons with external advisory board, and ensures representation of the program to governing boards, outside agencies, and the public.

5

Yes Ensures the development, implementation and adherence to policies regarding intellectual property in addition to negotiating and managing IP agreements and contracts.

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol – e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related area (PhD, JD, MD, EdD, etc.)
• Minimum 6 years of related experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a lead/supervisor/manager. Preferred Qualifications
• Academic or research background and recognized expertise in selected area
• Expert oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated expertise in building collaborations between academia, industry and / or governmental agencies
• Demonstrated expertise with program building within a leading academic institution and administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices
• Expert ability to work with dynamic and diverse group of faculty, staff and students
• Strong fundraising experience
• Strong negotiation skills and verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence / persuade all levels of staff
• Skills in organization and customer service to effectively manage multiple important priorities
• Experience in clinical translational HIV research project management including clinical study, wet and dry lab-based activities