Program Manager (ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 3 RP)

The Program Manager provides high level academic and operational management for complex international laboratory research and training programs within the One Health Institute (OHI), School of Veterinary Medicine.

The Program Manager coordinates UC Davis research staff, internationally hired staff, graduate students, and multiple partner organizations to deliver effective, safe, and quality controlled laboratory testing, training, and research activities for disease outbreak prevention and response systems, and also to conduct research, development, and laboratory capacity building programs.

This position supports and helps lead transdisciplinary and multi-national collaborative projects that may involve working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other funding organizations. Specifically, in collaboration with the OHI Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Project PIs, the position develops and strengthens collaborative partnerships, implements strategic direction (including scientific and technical guidance), assures compliance and oversight of research program operations, facilitates achievement of objectives and accomplishment of laboratory derived deliverables, and supports the creation of progress reports for programs and projects supported by diverse funders.

The Program Manager also manages budgets and resources, supervises staff and trainees, evaluates program effectiveness, and supports proposal development, reporting, and funder communications.

This position will support ongoing efforts to evaluate vaccine candidates against Rift Valley fever disease in Tanzania, and other emerging zoonotic disease surveillance activities globally. The position will help ensure compliance with FDA and international laboratory regulations regarding human and animal clinical intervention trials and will help establish a robust quality assurance program to meet good clinical laboratory practices (e.g., GCLP or the equivalent) including documentation of progress and deviations of expected norms as part of the system. The position will interface with laboratory experts and researchers in human health, animal health, and industry contexts.

Through leadership in program coordination, regulatory compliance, academic program management, and partnership development, the Program Manager advances the research and teaching mission of the OHI globally.

Apply By Date February 10, 2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Advanced Degree in related and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, including equipment, supplies, data management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Knowledge of GCLP, FDA, and international laboratory standards; ability to implement program-level policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting molecular and microbiology procedures (e.g., PCR, TaqMan, ELISA, Western Blot, HPLC) and ability to manage high-throughput laboratory workflows efficiently.
• Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate staff, trainees, and collaborators across multiple projects and locations. Includes graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, research staff, and visiting scientists; supports professional development and performance management.
• Skills in academic program and research management, including program planning, project coordination, budgeting, resource allocation, evaluation of outcomes, and integration of research into academic and institutional objectives.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, government agencies, funding organizations, and international partners.
• Technical proficiency with laboratory and office software (e.g., Word, Excel, data analysis tools), ability to maintain accurate records, troubleshoot issues, prioritize tasks, and work independently. Ability to translate research program outputs into reports, presentations, and academic contributions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in veterinary medicine or related field with extensive (>10 years) experience in complex laboratory and research environments. Advanced knowledge in microbiology, molecular techniques, and program management.
• Experience managing or supporting internationally collaboration Skill to perform new technical laboratory procedures with minimal supervision.
• Experienced in preparing technical reports, presentations and manuscripts for academic and funding audiences.
• Advanced technical laboratory skills and ability to implement new procedures with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in specialized software and analytical tools, including reference manager software, phylogenetic analysis programs, Prism, and PubMed searches and other research related platforms. Ability to integrate data management and analysis into program reporting and academic outputs.
• Demonstrated skills to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse groups of individuals including clients, students, faculty and the public. Experienced in preparing technical reports, presentations and manuscripts for academic and funding audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Management of Research Program
• 20% - Project Development /Techniques and Protocol
• 20% - Management of One Health Institute Laboratory Safety and Regulatory Compliance Activities

Department Overview

The position exists within the One Health Institute (OHI) in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, which is engaged in many domestic and international training and research programs regarding the pressing topics of disaster response and preparedness, as well as emerging and endemic diseases, especially those with a special relevance to the wildlife ecology and conservation realm.

The OHI is the administrative home of a diverse collection of research and public service Centers, Programs and projects. Each of these organizational units and the individuals who comprise them fulfill the mission of the OHI as they are all "Working at the interface of animals, people, and the environment to solve complex problems impacting health and conservation."

The Program Manager is responsible for many aspects of projects including laboratory testing, management and implementation of inventory and quality assurance programs, contributing to contract/grant acquisition, administration, implementation, fieldwork, and reporting, including development of project tracking mechanisms, project oversight, and interactions with diverse in-country partners.

The position operates as an academic program manager and technical expert, having responsibility for creation and implementation of functional plans for laboratory testing in international projects. The position will provide program oversight and direct laboratory testing work, along with quality assurance across laboratory aspects of projects.

The position is also responsible for consulting in the development of new global operations and projects including tracking of priorities; issues and risks; and coordination of efforts with partners, colleagues, and others as needed to ensure laboratory program success. The role is an international laboratory professional with a good degree of knowledge in the overall technical field, and with skills to perform complex technical laboratory analyses as well as participating in collaborative research publications.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $85,500/annually - $157,300/annually
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 3 RP
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: Full-Time, 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: RP - Research and Public Service Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Must be willing to perform assigned duties in Biosafety Level (BSL) 1 or 2 facility where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus. Position may, at times, require employees to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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