Neuropathology Research Center Administrator - 141872

The Brain Health Accelerator Initiative conceived, developed and launched by the Allen Institutes has an overarching goal to gain a deep understanding of the human neurobiology of health and disease, and to pioneer a new class of therapeutic strategies that build on an understanding of vulnerable or affected cells and circuits for precision genetic therapies. UCSD Pathology will serve as the BHA Pathology and Tissue Coordinating Center, which will serve as the hub of a multi-center network of institutions supporting prospective cohort studies in diverse neurodegenerative disorders responsible for integrating clinical data, genomics, biofluid and imaging biomarkers, and comprehensive post-mortem imaging and quantitative neuropathology to inform multiscale, multimodal, multiomics data generation, sharing, analysis, and interpretation. The center builds on foundational investments from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) BRAIN Initiative and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to support vital brain research and develop cutting-edge technologies and data resources. The Center will provide further impact through coordination of related projects including those in the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network, national and international prospective cohort studies, satellite projects, and spinoffs from BHA. The Coordinating Center will bring together experts from across campus as well as with external partners to establish local physical and data infrastructure, imaging and molecular pathology pipelines, and a dedicated team to support and build an integrated brain donation network to coordinate data and biospecimens resources locally and nationally for BHA. The Center will provide further impact through coordination of related projects including those in the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network, national and international prospective cohort studies, satellite projects, and spinoffs from BHA.

The successful applicant will serve as the Neuropathology Research Center Administrator for the Brain Health Accelerator (BHA) Initiative Pathology and Tissue Coordinating Center, serving on the TCC executive committee and reporting directly to the PI/Center Director and BHA leadership. In this role, the Research Center Administrator will establish the center's agenda, objectives, and operational requirements while administering all finance, human resources, facilities, and business operations. Key responsibilities include managing a variety of federally and privately funded research budgets, handling full-cycle HR functions (including hiring, supervision, and performance management for diverse research staff), and serving as the primary liaison to the Department business office, School of Medicine, and external agencies.

Additionally, the Neuropathology Research Center Administrator will overseeing laboratory safety standards, facility logistics, patient/subject-related protocols, and the development of conferences, training programs, and community initiatives.

The Neuropathology Research Center Administrator will serve as the point person for relevant regulatory policies and approvals including those associated with internal review boards, ethics activities, etc.

The role will participate in building and expanding the BHA network by facilitating strategic interactions among local, regional, and national partners-such as the Allen Institute-to foster collaborative neurodegenerative disease research. The Coordinating Center will involve extensive interactions and collaborations across departments and institutions, particularly including UCSD School of Medicine, Allen Institute Brain Health Accelerator, University of Washington, etc. The Coordinating Center will be the focal point of foundational and prospective cohort studies nationally and internationally with respect to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The successful applicant is responsible for developing, stewarding, and growing complex resources to position the center for continued innovation and impact. Particularly, the position is responsible for establishing the infrastructure to maximize access to brain tissue and data resources (clinical, imaging, and molecular data) to accelerate discovery science that informs translational research-bench-to-bedside therapies. With a mix of responsibilities across the development and administration of this center we expect a highly organized, knowledgeable individual, with experience working in neurodegenerative disease including applications and integration of cutting edge imaging and neuropathology protocols.

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in a relevant field, preferably coupled with formal project management training or certification. They must bring a well-rounded background spanning business operations and hands-on experience with neuropathology procedures, including donor consenting, transportation, neuroimaging, and tissue procurement and preservation. Proven expertise in managing research-related information systems and technologies (e.g., REDCap, AWS) is preferred, along with experience handling large-scale data storage, inter-institutional projects, and biospecimens coordination and sharing. The Research Administrator will be responsible for programmatic, budget, and resource planning, and will develop and manage a team dedicated to the administrative, coordination, and data management needs of the center.

Administers all finance, human resources and facilities and other operational activities for small to midsized academic or research program. Administers major program components, and some or all of the program's operational requirements. Develops and organizes conferences and other public forums. Works under direction of Principal Investigator or more senior Academic Program Officer to establish center agenda, funding, objectives.

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR an Advanced degree in related area plus three years of related experience/training, preferably in brain biorepository.

• Academic background and experience in selected area of research preferred. Background in health informatics, neuroscience, or a related field, specifically within aneurodegenerative disease research environment.

• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices. To include post-award grant management and the financial oversight of complex, multi-institution, and multi-state research budgets.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. Experience collaborating across interdisciplinary teams, foundations, academic centers, and major external partners like the Allen Institute.

• Solid fundraising experience. Experience working alongside program leadership to actively identify, evaluate, and pursue diverse funding opportunities and new revenue streams.

• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to staff mentorship, team retention, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative research center environment.

• Advanced ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners.

• Terminal degree in a related field (PhD, JD, MD, etc.) preferred.

• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of health informatics data systems, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), large-scale data storage/transfer protocols, and cloud-based environments (e.g., AWS or machine learning workflows).

• Demonstrated expertise in the formal project management of complex, multi-site research initiatives (PMP certification or equivalent preferred).

• Solid understanding of data sharing agreements (DTAs/MTAs), institutional compliance policies, and regulatory aspects governing multi-institution material and data exchange.

• A track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications, delivering scientific presentations, and executing public outreach or science communication.

• Demonstrated analytical expertise in the optimization of research data infrastructure, including large-scale data storage, secure transfer protocols, and cloud-based environments.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Complies with the University of California, San Diego Health (UCSDH) Principles of Community.
• This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.
• Travel is required multiple times a year for national and state meetings.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Resume and Cover letter required.