Data Science Program Manager

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager who will report to the VP of Data Science and will work collaboratively and closely with all members of the Office of Data Science. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in biology or data science, as well as skills in project management and team leadership. As a Data Science Program Manager, you will oversee the execution of data science projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivering high-quality results.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of research program including driving objectives, approaches, goals, governance mechanisms, resource deployment, periodic reviews, contingency planning, and periodic reporting and communication.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams internally and externally (including academic and government collaborations where required) to achieve defined outcomes.
• Oversee compliance within research program(s) and drive relevant related processes (e.g., agreement processing, liaison with external organizations, documentation, procurement).
• Drive internal stakeholder management and communications, management of external vendors, and strong partnership with stakeholders inside and outside the institution.
• Track and report program and/or project success.
• Provide oversight and management of program budgets through planning, control and tracking of expenditures.
• Provide more complex analysis of data to create reports for senior leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Master's/PhD highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field strongly preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of research, biomedical, or clinical experience.
• Experience designing and managing research programs preferred.
• Experience in program budget tracking, reporting, and risk management preferred.
• Proven experience engaging with senior leaders to facilitate decision-making preferred.
• Some experience driving continuous program improvement projects preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in program or project management within a scientific, technical, or research environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and complex, multi-stakeholder programs preferred.
• Proven experience in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Python, SQL, Tableau, PowerBI) and familiarity with data science methodologies preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills preferred.
• Experience with Agile or similar project management frameworks preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international, and multidisciplinary environment preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Strategic Alignment

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of biological data science programs that support ODS’s strategic priorities, including administrative infrastructure, pan-institutional initiatives, and forward-looking research projects.
• Develop and execute program and project charters, roadmaps, and budgets for high-impact projects such as the Data Science Committee, Quantum Computing Hub, and AI/ML Hub, ensuring alignment with ODS FY26 goals.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (e.g., Administration, Talent Recruitment, Training, Collaborations, Strategic Planning) to deliver on program milestones and foster a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Project & Operations Management

• Champion the development and integration of project management software and data platforms in partnership with ODS leadership and IS, optimizing workflows for research and administrative teams.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, leveraging data analytics to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Oversee risk management and change management processes for complex, multi-stakeholder projects, proactively identifying and mitigating potential challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between ODS leadership, ODS-sponsored activities and personnel, and clients, ensuring transparent and effective communication of program objectives, progress, and outcomes.
• Own the relationship with key research stakeholders, enhancing visibility and engagement.
• Prepare and deliver status reports, presentations, and strategic updates for executive leadership, advisory committees, and external partners.

Talent & Community Development

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of data science personnel, including supporting the establishment of the Data Science Committee and engagement with the broader scientific community.
• Develop mechanisms for cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge exchange among data scientists, researchers, and clinicians.
• Support as needed knowledge-sharing events (e.g., KIDS symposium, Biohackathon, Florence Nightingale Day), fostering a vibrant and inclusive data science culture.

Technology & Innovation

• Facilitate the integration of advanced technologies and software tools (e.g., cloud computing, AI/ML platforms, data governance solutions) to support research and clinical data science initiatives.
• Collaborate with institutional IS and research computing teams to assess and address compute, storage, and software needs across ODS projects.
• Pilot and evaluate emerging technologies, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the ODS software platform strategy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in academic, healthcare, technical, multi-national, or research institute settings.
• Knowledge of data governance, regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO:9001, GDPR, NIST), and software infrastructure in companies with national or international presence.
• Experience with talent recruitment, professional development, and community-building in scientific or technical domains.
• Multilingual communication skills and experience working in international teams.
• Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and implement program strategies, including resource allocation and risk management.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, Jira, Trello) for tracking and reporting project metrics.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Data Science Program Manager.

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