Program Administrator, Scientific Programs

Additional Position Details:

The AACR Academy serves to recognize and honor distinguished scientists whose major scientific contributions have propelled significant innovation and progress against cancer, and to leverage the expertise of the global brain trust of Fellows of the AACR Academy to advance the mission of the AACR to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, communication, and collaboration. The Program Administrator will work with individual Fellows of the AACR Academy and the leadership of the AACR Academy to help plan initiatives that cover key areas of cancer research such as the identification of scientific priorities in the field, science and health policy, and mentorship of scientists and physician-scientists in training. This position will involve extensive communication with prominent cancer scientists and physicians as well as coordination of logistics to facilitate their attendance and involvement in AACR’s meetings and programs.

Annually, the AACR convenes a variety of committees to assist with achieving the goals of the organization. Committees are formed to provide valuable support and guidance to AACR’s leadership, shape the AACR’s Annual Meeting, as well as to assist with the selection of scientific achievement award and scientific research grant recipients. This position will include research and tracking of established and potential committee members and as needed, will involve additional coordination of committee activities when applicable to the functions of the Executive Office.

One aspect of the AACR’s mission is to strengthen, support and promote focused scientific initiatives that facilitate increased progress and enhanced cutting-edge contributions to the understanding of cancer by select scientific disciplines. Pursuant to this mission, the AACR promotes enriched collaborations among cancer researchers with common interests in focused realms of cancer research. Scientific working groups function within the framework of the AACR to explore expanded research opportunities and to advance discoveries that lead to greater knowledge and understanding of cancer. There are currently six AACR scientific working groups, each dedicated to different scientific areas including chemistry, immunology, molecular epidemiology, pediatric cancer, radiation science and medicine, and the tumor microenvironment.

The mission of the AACR Pediatric Cancer Working Group (PCWG) is to establish childhood cancer research as a global priority supported by improved funding, the very latest technologies, and best educational strategies. The PCWG provides a forum for communication and collaboration among basic, clinical, and translational researchers in academia, industry, and government on all aspects of pediatric cancer research. The group serves as an interface bridging the AACR with advocacy and legislative groups to promote the prevention and treatment of all childhood cancers.

Similarly, the AACR Radiation Science and Medicine (RSM) Working Group fosters cross-disciplinary interactions worldwide between radiation oncologists, radiation biologists, medical physicists, and cancer researchers in other fields through AACR programs and initiatives designed to support the involvement of radiation science and medicine efforts in all applicable pursuits to understand and treat cancer malignancies. The Program Administrator will work closely with the leadership bodies of both working groups and be responsible for assisting with all PCWG and RSM Working Group initiatives. Importantly, the Program Administrator will be tasked with ensuring the timely completion of all implemented PCWG and RSM Working Group projects and programs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Facilitate and support effective communication internally between AACR departments and divisions, as well as externally between the AACR, the Fellows of the AACR Academy, AACR scientific working groups, and AACR committee members.
•  Interact with AACR colleagues and members to organize events ranging in size from small committee meetings to large-scale scientific sessions.
•  Communicate regularly with meritorious cancer researchers and physicians primarily via telephone and email.
•  Prepare, organize, and maintain AACR Academy, AACR committee, and AACR scientific working group documents and historical files.
•  Assist with the appointment process for all AACR committees, including AACR Academy and AACR scientific working group subcommittees, when necessary.
•  Ensure the timely completion of projects by determining priorities and tracking deadlines.
•  Assist with updating and maintaining webpage content applicable to AACR Academy, AACR committees, and AACR scientific working groups.
•  Coordinate logistics related to housing, travel, and registration for VIP members attending conferences, meetings, and think tanks.
•  Prepare agendas, budgets, minutes, proposals, and any other necessary files related to meetings and programs of the AACR Academy, AACR scientific working groups, and select AACR committees.
•  Travel to the AACR Annual Meeting and other events as needed to implement scientific programs.
•  Perform all essential duties and functions of the position and other related duties as assigned and as necessary.

Job Qualifications:

•  Eligible candidates must have 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience in a scientific environment. Interested individuals must possess a passion and commitment to cancer and cancer-related biomedical sciences and possess the following attributes:
•  Broad, in-depth knowledge of cancer and cancer-related biomedical science.
•  Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
•  Ability to build, foster, and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
•  Capability of managing time and prioritizing tasks to adapt to diverse workloads and deadlines.
•  Excellence in written and verbal communications.
•  Precise attention to detail in all facets of the position.
•  Exceptional organizational skills.
•  Desire to follow through on projects in a timely manner.
•  Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
•  High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to navigate technological software and platforms.

Education Requirements:
• PhD degree in cancer biology or a cancer-related biomedical science required.