Research Program Manager

LifeNet Health is searching for talented individuals who will embrace our mission of saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope.

LifeNet Health, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the largest nonprofit organ procurement organization (“OPO”) and tissue processor in the United States, as well as a leading innovator in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to improve the quality of human life through the provision of organs, tissues and cells for transplantation; to provide innovation in the fields of bio-implants, regenerative medicine and research; and, to serve the community with educational and support services that enhance the donation process. LifeNet Health has over 1200 employees and has a growing global presence.

How you will contribute to LifeNet Health’s success:

The Research Program Manager (RPM) works with the LifeSciences division to manage, present, and implement all incoming external research projects to the various recovery teams for procurement and delivery. The RPM will interact with the Researchers on critical specification identification to initiate any new research project and follow-up if any modifications are required. The RPM will work with the Donor Center, Tissue Recovery, OPO and National Research Recovery teams to provide subject matter oversite, and project support for the team members and processes involved in the development of biospecimen specifications for research projects. This includes but is not limited to, setting project specifications, conducting project evaluations, guiding implementation, creating SOPs, and revisions The RPM applies critical and strategic thinking and LEAN/Best Practice concepts to ensure that day-to-day operations are consistently applied interdepartmentally. The major function for this position focuses on execution of new project launches and management of processes that assure the application of priority projects to incoming potential external research donors.

What you’ll do:

• Program & Project Management: The RPM will lead and manage all research project engagements and launches interdepartmentally and with OPO Partners. Partner with external OPO partners and with LifeNet Health personnel from the National Donor Recovery Services, National Donor Recovery Operations, and Organ Procurement Organization to develop, communicate, and deliver best practices for the support and fulfillment of research projects, corporate goals and objectives. Creates resources and tools to maintain awareness of external research activity and works with various recovery team members to enable project fulfillment, identify, and prioritize eligible projects to maximize research recovery. Coordinates the acquisition of project-specific supplies for all new external projects and works with the various recovery team members to establish the appropriate par levels. Assists in the creation of project-specific kits or other supply management improvements. Provide on call services to seek donation consent for the Advocacy Programs.
• Project Training: Manages the research project application process by working with researcher clients to define project parameters and assemble all project specific information. Participates in research project evaluation with the Life Sciences leadership. Coordinates evaluation with the various recovery teams to provide transparency of pending and existing external research projects and ensures the project specifications are fully documented and communicated in the approval process. Coordinates and implements effective procedures for the recovery of biospecimen for external research projects and ensures that LEAN processes are in place to optimize project fulfillment. Ensures all project evaluation procedures comply with applicable internal or external quality standards and expectations. Develops tools and training materials to ensure recovery teams have all necessary information/resources to effectively execute external research projects. Assists in training efforts and maintains updated training materials in a centralized and effective manner.
• Database Management: Participates in the creation of research project database design and management. Completes project data entry for research projects daily or as otherwise requested. Prepares reports routinely regarding research recovery activity. Identifies and highlights missed opportunities and works with Life Sciences Leadership to identify opportunities for improvement with the various recovery teams.

What you’ll bring (Minimum Requirements):

• 
  Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree in Biology, Nursing, Chemistry, Health Sciences, or related field, preferred)
• Valid state driver’s license and insurance
• Five (5) years of work experience within a healthcare field or setting to include, but not limited to tissue/organ recovery, research with human organs and/or tissues, healthcare administration, nursing, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, ophthalmology, dental, medical technology, surgical technologists, and processing technicians in tissue/organ recovery, surgical technologists, and processing technicians in tissue/organ recovery. (5 years specific experience in OPO or tissue recovery, preferred)

• AATB-CTBS Certified Tissue Bank Specialist certification, preferred

These would be nice too (Knowledge Skills and Abilities):

• 
  Relationship Management: Builds and sustains partnerships across organizational boundaries and functions, as well as, outside the organization to achieve common goals and outcomes.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, building relationships with all professionals at different levels within the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Microsoft Suite, Microsoft Teams
• Attention to detail: Able to perform tasks thoroughly and with care; checks work to ensure high degree of accuracy/completeness and early/on-time delivery
• Organizational Skills: Ability to plan, implement, and monitor assignments effectively to meet the needs of the business. This includes utilizing intradepartmental relationships.
• Problem resolution: Demonstrates ability to anticipate and critically think through problems in urgent or time sensitive situations.
• Time Management: Able to prioritize multiple, competing priorities and manage time/workload. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple time sensitive projects, multi-task, identify project interdependencies and potential risks/pitfalls.
• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to successfully gather and evaluate pertinent information to draw conclusions and identify potential trends.

• 
  403(b) and Profit-Sharing Plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Corporate sponsored events for employees
• Work-life balance with generous paid time off to include vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal career, skill, and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness Program (gym reimbursement, monthly wellness webinars, mental health toolkit, financial resources, and much more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and members of their household
• Dedicated and passionate co-worker