American Diabetes Association · 23 hours ago
Director, Scientific Programs
United States
Full-time
Remote
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$96K/yr - $106K/yr
3+ years expThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) is seeking a Director, Scientific Programs to provide scientific oversight and strategic support for ADA’s Research Programs. This role involves ensuring the scientific quality and integrity of funded research, conducting evaluations for proposals, and collaborating with academic investigators to monitor research progress and outcomes.
Health Care
Responsibilities
Monitor scientific progress of ADA-funded grants, including evaluation of aims, milestones, challenges, and deliverables
Maintain proactive communication with investigators to troubleshoot barriers and ensure timely progress
Track and synthesize progress reports to support leadership, governance committees, and strategic planning
Identify cross-portfolio themes, opportunities, or risks that inform program direction
Conduct initial and in-depth scientific assessment of inquiries and full proposals
Perform due diligence including literature review, study design evaluation, rigor assessment, and feasibility analysis
Collaborate with program staff and reviewers to prepare scientific summaries, evaluations, and recommendations for committee decision-making
Support refinement and development of RFAs and targeted initiatives; may independently draft selected components
Coordinate scientific peer review activities, including reviewer identification, preparation of materials, and organization of reviewer feedback
Synthesize reviewer input and prepare scientific recommendations for leadership
Recommend improvements to scientific review processes as appropriate
Conduct scientific landscape analyses to identify gaps, opportunities, and alignment with ADA priorities
Prepare scientific briefs, concept notes, and strategy-oriented summaries
Assist in planning and executing new initiatives, scientific convenings, advisory activities, and grantee engagement efforts
Contribute scientific insights to discussions about program direction and emerging research areas
Prepare research highlights, impact narratives, portfolio summaries, and scientific communications for internal and external audiences
Draft scientific presentations and briefing materials for leadership and donor-facing activities in partnership with Communications
Support preparation of materials for external scientific engagement opportunities
Develop and deliver scientific workshops and webinars (e.g., rigor & reproducibility, team science, data sharing) to support grantee success
Help plan investigator meetings and scientific convenings that advance ADA’s mission
Participate in activities that strengthen and connect the ADA grantee community
Collaborate with Grants Administration on timelines, reporting, compliance, and payment cycles
Maintain clear and accurate documentation of scientific decisions, progress, and portfolio activities
Lead or support internal scientific or operational projects requiring coordination across ADA teams
Provide scientific guidance and leadership to internal colleagues, and serve as a point of contact for external stakeholders including academic investigators, NIH partners, and scientific collaborators
Contribute to a culture of operational excellence, scientific integrity, and continuous improvement
Qualification
Required
PhD, MD, or equivalent terminal degree in a biomedical or life science discipline
3+ years of relevant biomedical research experience preferred; familiarity with research-funding mechanisms is a plus. Exceptionally strong PhD graduates with well-developed analytical skills and a solid record of scholarly output may also be considered
Demonstrated experience in scientific evaluation, literature synthesis, or study design assessment
Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
Knowledge of diabetes or related scientific fields desirable; willingness to develop diabetes-specific expertise required
Ability to travel occasionally to scientific meetings and workshops
Excellent scientific writing and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex information for scientific, executive, and donor audiences
Strong analytical abilities, scientific judgment, and data interpretation skills
Effective communicator and collaborator across internal teams and with external stakeholders (e.g., academic investigators, NIH partners, volunteer reviewers)
Highly organized with strong project management and emerging leadership skills; able to manage multiple timelines in a fast-paced environment
Proactive, detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to ADA's mission and scientific rigor
Demonstrates initiative, increasing independence, and the ability to guide or influence scientific activities and team operations
Preferred
3+ years of relevant biomedical research experience preferred; familiarity with research-funding mechanisms is a plus
Knowledge of diabetes or related scientific fields desirable
Benefits
A culture of recognition including new hire welcome announcements, service anniversary awards, referral bonuses, monthly All Employee Assembly, appreciation awards
Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays, vacation days, personal days and sick days
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), disability & life insurance, pet insurance and retirement savings
Guided by our mission, we provide top tier diabetes supply coverage through our medical benefits program
A company focus on offering mental health programs and work/life balance with most of our employees working remote
Company
American Diabetes Association
Diabetes Educators is a Health, Wellness and Fitness company located in 170 N 1100 E, American Fork, Utah, United States.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$6.45MKey Investors
CVS Health FoundationStupski FoundationSoutheastern Grocers
2026-01-14Grant· $2.6M
2025-08-14Grant· $0.1M
2024-10-29Grant
Leadership Team
Charles D Henderson
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
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