Program Manager; ACAD PRG MGT OFCR RP

Job Summary

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. 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.

February 10, 2026 at 11:59pm

• 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, Taq Man, 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.

• 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 international collaboration; skilled in performing 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 Pub Med searches and other research related platforms. Ability to integrate data management and analysis into program reporting and academic outputs.
• Demonstrated skills to…