Position Title:    Scientific Communication and Program Manager

Reports to:        Senior Scientific Program Manager

Location:            Remote 

Background

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the world’s leading non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research. Since its founding in 1999, the LRA has invested over $225 million in lupus research in more than 550 research and clinical studies. Over the past four years, the LRA’s Research Program has established strategic priorities and expanded from supporting just three grant mechanisms to actively driving 11 programs including bold collaborative and infrastructure initiatives engaging all stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and the lupus patient community.    

This is an exciting professional opportunity to join a growing organization during its formative years and to help shape its essence and influence the lupus research landscape. Be part of a collegial, close-knit, and driven team passionate about LRA’s mission. Importantly, the candidate’s talents will be directed towards making a tangible impact on the lives of people living with lupus and, more broadly, other systemic autoimmune diseases.  

Position Summary 

Manage all research-related communications activities ensuring that information about LRA-funded research as well as relevant external research is communicated to the lay public accurately, clearly, engagingly, and timely. Compelling writing is an essential part of the position. Liaise with LRA’s Communications, Development, and Advocacy Departments to provide research-related information to facilitate their activities. Manage the scientific aspects of LRA’s annual scientific meeting – Forum for Discovery – which brings together over 100 LRA-funded scientists to share their latest research findings, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations. Lead the Lupus Insight Prize program ensuring its continued success. Understand the Organization, activities, operations, policies, and procedures to perform all duties.

 

Responsibilities

·   Write updates, appropriate for a lay audience, related to LRA-funded research projects, relevant external publications, and scientific meetings.

·       Work with LRA’s Communications Team in the finalization of LRA research-related announcements by providing appropriate knowledge and information concerning the scientific content as well as the status of ongoing research in lupus funded by the LRA.

·       Responsible for maintaining and improving the content on LRA’s research website.

·       Manage the LRA Lupus Insight Prize program including the Nomination and Selection Committees and developing the scientific content for the Award ceremony.

·       In consultation with members of the Research Team, develop the agenda for LRA’s annual Forum for Discovery meeting.

·       Stay abreast of research developments within LRA’s portfolio and relevant outside efforts.

·      Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of the LRA.  Understand the strategic direction and purpose of the Research Department and conform to stated strategies and business needs, develop standard research procedures, and maintain records to comply with regulatory requirements.

·       Ensure that the confidentiality and security of all information under his/her supervision is maintained.

·       Develop and deliver presentations as required and provide input and suggestions on existing content.

·       Participate in internal and external meetings

·       Perform all other responsibilities and projects as assigned by the Research Director.

Credentials & Qualifications:

·       PhD, MD or equivalent professional degree such as DMD, DVM, etc. required

·       Postdoctoral research experience is preferred

·       Expertise in immunology is strongly preferred

·       Demonstrated proficiency in translating complex scientific language into clear and engaging stories for the lay public

·       Established skills in developing scientific reports, presentations, and business correspondence

·       Proficiency with various computer systems and databases including Microsoft Office

·       Ability to travel. 

 

Skills & Competencies:

·       Superb written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and compellingly with scientific peers and the public 

·       Detail-oriented, strong organizational skills, and capable of handling diverse assignments

·    Effectively multi-task, establish priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment; highly efficient in time management and can meet deadlines under pressure

·       Team player who can build excellent working relationships both internally and externally

·       Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills.

 

The Lupus Research Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/orientation/preference, class or socioeconomic status, marital status, age, ability, or Veteran status.

For information about the Lupus Research Alliance please visit our website: www.lupusresearch.org.