Director of Research Development
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job Info

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The Director of Research Development (DRD) reports to the Chief Science Officer (CSO). DRD will identify and develop funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as facilitate the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies. The Director of Research Development is responsible for building a culture of collaboration, high achievement, and accountability that fosters strong relationships among Salk's faculty, staff scientists, and trainees to prepare grant applications and other scientific communication materials across a variety of research topics. Key responsibilities include preparing, writing, editing, and assembling all sections from ideation to submission of highly competitive, technical, and /or complex research grant proposals, including, but not limited to, grant applications to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Research Development:

• Develops strategies to match current or potential Salk research programs with the interests and funding priorities of potential funding agencies, entities, or individuals.
• Coordinates NIH funding opportunities with scientific programs, matches PIs with these opportunities and advocate for specific research areas in alignment with institutional goals.
• Works with teams of Salk scientists to navigate funding opportunities and help formulate collaborative initiatives that both push the boundaries of Salk science and provide avenues for establishing relationships with new funders.
• Works with faculty and members of a diverse array of Salk Departments (e.g., Chief Science Office, External Relations, Technology Transfer, Research Accounting) to ensure that internal funds are best utilized to stimulate innovation and to meet sponsor/donor expectations.
• Works closely with the Cancer Center Director to support the activities related to the Institute’s NCI designated Cancer Center.  
• Develops educational slideshow presentations and serve as an instructor in training postdocs, staff scientists, and junior faculty in the best practices for developing their research plans and composing associated component parts of grant applications.

Project Management:

• Establishes goals, milestones, and deliverables for projects. Ensures that research goals and milestones are being achieved and that the expectations of funders are being met or exceeded.
• Works with faculty and Grants Administration team to establish appropriate project budgets and ensure that budgets are managed appropriately.
• Ensures the Project Management team is well-staffed and trained to meet the evolving needs of the Salk research endeavors.
• Directs the project management of the various training grant programs, as well as to internal funding competitions. Works closely with the Internal Funding Committee to support internal funding opportunities, establish internal deadlines and facilitate meetings of key scientists to ensure timely submission.

Scientific Communication:

• Guides the development of complex, high-profile research proposals from ideation to submission, ensuring clarity, technical accuracy, and alignment with funder priorities, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Has insight into the scientific programs funded by the NIH, navigates the allocation priorities of federal funds, and serves as an advocate for specific scientific fields.
• Facilitates collaboration among teams of investigators, building consensus and guiding the development of unique sections required for complex, multi-PI proposals (e.g., Project Management Plan, Administrative Core, Data Management Plan).
• Supports faculty in navigating funding opportunities, including RFAs, and assists in securing their peer-reviewed awards.
• Analyzes reviews of previously submitted proposals and provides feedback to investigators or other Institution officials.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job may require supervisory responsibilities as needed.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

What we Require

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in successful grant development, writing individual and team proposals, and facilitating submission of grant proposals.
• Inside experience with federal funding agencies strongly encouraged.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in biological sciences, physical sciences or natural sciences.
• Experience in writing and editing grants, including NIH R01 proposals and multi-component proposals.
• Strong proofreading and strategic communication skills.
• Experience in coordinating grant-writing efforts of multiple PIs to facilitate the submission of large, multi-component proposals.
• Experience writing and coordinating multidisciplinary sponsored research and private grant proposals with multiple collaborators for a variety of funding sources.
• Experience leading teams of scientists and/or administrative staff.
• Computer skills required: Development Software; Microsoft Office; Project Management Software
• Other skills strongly preferred: Microsoft PowerBI or other data management software.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $140,000-$170,000 per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

 

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