Overview

The Research Program Manager for the Division of GI & Hepatology at MUSC serves as the primary point of contact for research operations related to assigned programs and projects. The lab focuses on pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases in the GI tract (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) and the impact of environmental factors such as circadian misalignment, alcohol misuse, and stress.

This role provides direct support and guidance to Dr. Swanson, collaborating faculty, and staff across pre- and post-award activities, PI research portfolio oversight, and reporting. The position operates with substantial autonomy and requires sound judgment in a regularly changing environment. As the research mission grows, this individual will provide guidance to other divisional programs.

This position has a matrix reporting structure with the Division Director and Administrator.

Daily and Ongoing Operations (20%)

• •Oversee and guide laboratory staff in recommendations of changes to protocols to improve validity and accuracy
• •Make recommendations for acquisition of new equipment and oversee validation and implementation of new equipment and protocols
• •Ensure radiation and laboratory safety requirements are up to date and appropriately implemented
• •Maintain the work area in a safe and uncluttered environment and maintain accountability for inspection readiness
• •Responsible for cell line work including colonic cell lines and organoids
• •Coordinate research activities with Clinical Research Staff and work with human tissues and samples
• •Manage daily husbandry, sanitation, feeding, breeding colony management, and enrichment schedules across conventional and barrier facilities
• •Serve as an active liaison to the IACUC, participating in semi-annual facility inspections, program reviews, protocol implementation checks, and post-approval monitoring
• •Maintain complete and accurate records of animal census, veterinary care, environmental monitoring, and sanitation logs
• •Oversee GI tissue sample repository
• •Respond to safety events and complaints in a timely manner

PI Research Portfolio Oversight and Management (20%)

• •Oversee the flow of research projects from planning to submission through implementation and closeout
• •Ensure appropriate regulatory approvals are obtained for all research activities (IRB and IACUC) and that materials transfer and data agreements are properly executed
• •Collaborate with Department of Medicine centralized and divisional teams to complete all stages of grant preparation, submission, and post-award
• •Work closely with other institutions to submit grant proposals as appropriate
• •Assist study PIs in the submission of grant materials through eCommons
• •Work closely with leadership in developing, modifying, and monitoring long-term goals and objectives and executing process improvement
• •Work closely with leadership to address current and future challenges

Staff Oversight (20%)

• •Supervise research staff employed by the division with an initial focus on Dr. Swanson's Lab
• •Conduct employment interviews and participate in the selection of new employees
• •Supervise and train laboratory staff, medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, post-doctoral research fellows, and volunteers
• •Serve as direct supervisor including approving PTO and conducting yearly evaluations
• •Monitor, regulate, and adjust workflows to ensure tasks are completed on time

Financial Involvement (20%)

• •Partner with the Division Administrator and Department of Medicine Pre and Post Award Team for budgetary and fiscal management
• •Oversee financial aspects of lab operations including monitoring expenses and budgets
• •Manage ordering and maintaining appropriate inventory of supplies
• •Provide recommendations for capital and operational budgets

Data Collection, Reporting, and Manuscript Preparation (20%)

• •Collect and analyze data in collaboration with PIs
• •Write and submit required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports (e.g., IRB) for studies under purview
• •Assist with revisions and submissions of manuscripts
• •Ensure information is entered correctly into databases and that samples are stored appropriately
• •Provide statistical analysis of data using statistical software and generate graphical representations of data
• •Assist leadership in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, and preparing tables and graphs for grant applications, progress reports, publications, and presentations
• •Coordinate with local, national, and international collaborators to ensure successful research endeavors

Compensation

• •Pay Range: $66,400 - $119,500 (salary)
• •Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• •Work Shift: Day