Research Program Manager

The Research Team is dedicated to developing Vascular R&D’s pipeline for new product innovation through investigation of clinical needs and emerging technologies. The Program Manager, External Research Collaborations is responsible for coordinating activities with academic institutions and collaborative research groups to sustain a portfolio of projects relevant to Vascular R&D’s research initiatives. This role is also responsible for developing innovative approaches to academic-industry research collaborations and driving engagement across the MedTech scientific community. Prior experience in developing and maintaining successful research arrangements is required, as well as a background in a relevant technical domain. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proven ability to work strategically with multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration.

Hybrid work status within 2-hours of a Cook location is preferred. Remote candidates located elsewhere in AMER with a strong background will also be considered.

• Responsible for mapping external academic institution and research collaborative groups for Vascular R&D’s research initiatives, and leading exploratory discussions with external parties to build a pipeline of research engagements.
• Work in close collaboration with Research Management and Project Leads to create, maintain, and execute engagement plans for identified research initiatives.
• Foster relationships with academic institutions and collaborative research groups to better understand the strategic priorities of these organizations and work with Research Management to define new opportunities and mechanisms for collaboration.
• Facilitate drafting and negotiation of key terms of collaborative research agreements with external parties, including intellectual property, confidentiality, and publication, while demonstrating strong communication and documentation skills.
• Contribute to the development of research study designs and operational plans, namely budgets, deliverables, and timelines, aligned with Vascular R&D’s research initiatives.
• Ensure deliverables, budgets, timelines, compliance requirements, invoices, payments, and all related documentation are maintained for each project and act as a liaison between external parties and Research Management for communication on such matters.
• Prepare relevant reports and communications regarding the status of the external research portfolio.
• Maintain close alignment with internal technical colleagues to ensure that external research efforts are aligned and factored into any related internal research project activities.
• Interact with and coordinate appropriate scientific activities with internal stakeholders, namely within R&D, as they relate to ongoing scientific collaboration projects.
• Assist in the review of publication materials to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with confidentiality agreements, promoting the representation of Vascular R&D’s collaborative research at external meetings such as medical society congresses, and scientific association meetings when possible

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required and 7 yeras' relevant experience OR
• Master’s Degree and 5 years’ relevant experience OR
• PhD and 4 years’ relevant experience

Qualification Requirements:

• Awareness of MedTech trends that impact areas of Cook Medical’s Vascular devices business, specifically in technical domains related to new product development and innovation.
• Experience in engaging in academic-industry and/or other public-private medical science collaborative research
• Demonstrated skills in areas including but not limited to, contracting, intellectual property licensing, grant writing, and project management.
• Ability to address complex problems within discipline or across several projects.
• Ability to independently exercise good judgment toward complex problems and/or situations when given broadly defined parameters for external engagement.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed up to 25%.
• Works under general office environmental conditions.
• Sitting for extended periods, utilizes close visual acuity for working with computers, etc.
• Personal protective equipment including safety glasses, lab coat, and gloves may be required in many areas associated with this position.