Senior Research Program Manager

The Senior Research Program Manager, plays a key part in developing Vascular R&D’s pipeline for new product development by engaging with a diverse network of external innovators and by sustaining a portfolio of research initiatives targeting unmet clinical needs and emerging technologies. Reporting to the Director, R&D, Vascular Research, the primary responsibility is to identify, evaluate, and implement a network of research collaborations which support the advancement of the Vascular product portfolio. The role is also responsible for developing and executing innovative strategies for engaging with the medical device research ecosystem to achieve functional goals.  

Building and maintaining strong relationships with leading investigators and institutions is foundational to this role. The successful candidate will have a track record of managing research collaborations in a relevant field and a proven ability to communicate effectively across multiple stakeholders to achieve results. Hybrid work status (within 2 hours of a Cook location) is preferred. Remote candidates with strong qualifications will also be considered. 

• Identify and map research opportunities from external innovators such as academic institutions and contract research organizations, following innovation roadmaps and strategic priorities established by R&D leadership. 

• Lead the evaluation of new research opportunities for R&D by applying technical and strategic perspectives and working closely with engineers/scientists and other internal stakeholders as needed to ensure thorough assessments. 

• Develop and execute engagement plans for gaining access to new technologies, specialized skills, and expertise; thereby building a network of external innovators and opportunities aligned with research priorities in R&D. 

• Manage the co-development of collaborative research projects with external innovators and internal teams –partnering with technical leads to develop research plans for contracting readiness and partnering with Legal to draft and negotiate collaborative research agreements. 

• Ensure contractual obligations and all related documentation are maintained for each research project and act as a point of contact and a liaison between external innovators and R&D management for communication and conflict resolution, as needed. 

• Build relationships with external innovators, key grant funding agencies, and other relevant partners across the medical device research ecosystem to maintain awareness of the landscape in key research focus areas. 

• Work closely with R&D leadership to establish new approaches for engagement and collaboration which accelerate key research initiatives. 

• Prepare relevant reports regarding the portfolio of external research projects and other engagements. 

• Represent R&D at partnering and scientific conferences to promote and grow the research portfolio 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other relevant biomedical field and 8 years’ experience. Relevant advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) may reduce the experience requirement by 2-4 years.
• Minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience in the medical device, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry.
• PhD in engineering or other relevant biomedical field is preferred.