Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

The Deininger laboratory at the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is seeking to recruit a Senior Research Programs Administrator to assist the PI at a high level in the running of the research program. The lab is focused on translational research in hematologic malignancies, specifically myeloid leukemia, and seeks to bridge between mechanistic investigation and the clinic. Routinely employed disease models include genetically modified mice, patient-derived xenografts, leukemia cells lines and ex vivo culture of primary leukemia cells. Analytical technologies are focused on biochemistry, cell biology and genetics. Current lab staff includes four postdoctoral fellows, three technicians and one lab manager.

VBRI is an academic center dedicated to innovative research in hematology. VBRI science spans the entire research spectrum of hematology, from basic mechanistic inquiry to clinical-translational and population science. The VBRI currently houses 28 principal investigators with five focuses areas - Hematopoiesis, Glycobiology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine, and Immunology. The VBRI has started a significant expansion of its research capacity, with the goal of adding 18 new PIs over a 5–7-year period. Designs for a new 60,000 – 80,000 ft2 research building are under development, with completion anticipated early 2026. 

This role is designed to support Dr. Deininger’s research program, with the following responsibilities:  

• Writing advanced drafts of grant applications
• Writing advanced draft of manuscripts
• Writing advanced drafts of clinical trial protocols
• Interfacing with the clinical research programs
• Assisting with progress reports and other compliance work
• Working with the lab manager to maintain a highly functional and efficient lab
• Supervising technical staff
• Serving as a resource of expertise and advise for postdocs and students
• Scouting out new technologies
• Establishing and maintaining national and international collaborations

The holder of this position is not expected to pursue their own research program, secure their own grants, or write their own papers, although this is not excluded. The emphasis is on supporting the lab’s existing research program and helping to create a high-pressure environment (yes, in Milwaukee!) that produces impactful science and influences how we prevent, diagnose, and treat leukemia.

This is a hard money position that is not dependent on grant funding. It has many of the features of a PI’s role, but not the responsibility of paying for one’s own salary. It is a great job for someone who wants to make a difference in translational leukemia research, likes to push scientific rigor and innovation, has the emotional intelligence to navigate a complex academic (and some corporate) environment and wants to be a key player in a great team. This is not a beginner’s job, but a seasoned scientist’s, a job for someone who has passion for science and discovery, does not shrink back from exploring uncharted territory, and is willing to take on significant responsibility.

To learn more about Dr. Deininger and his research:  https://versiti.org/about-us/versiti-leadership-team/michael-deininger

Milwaukee| versiti.org/careers/living-in-milwaukee. Located on the west side of beautiful Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a well-kept secret of affordable quality of life. The city boasts a range of museums, some of the nation's largest summer festivals, a multi-cultural population rich in culinary and artistic tradition, a progressive downtown area, and many outdoor recreation opportunities, including plenty of parks, river walks, and public beaches. Housing is affordable, public, and parochial schools are excellent, and traffic is a breeze. Milwaukee neighborhoods are known for variety, character, and unique architecture, offering superb quality of life and exceptional work-life balance in a city rife with history. With Chicago only 75 minutes away, world-class cultural and sporting venues and one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs are within easy reach.

• Oversee day-to-day research program operations and ensures they are efficient, effective, and of high quality. Supervise laboratory technologists, graduate and undergraduate students. Design, improve and maintain VBRI administrative program processes. Ensure financial stewardship by managing VBRI resources wisely and identifying opportunities for cost savings. Develop, implement, and maintain quantitative metrics to monitor program performance. In collaboration with lab director, establish and maintain research databases.
• Identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities. Oversee industry contracts, budgets and other administrative application components. Ensure VBRI compliance with granting agency, state, and federal regulations. Write and submit progress reports.
• Prepare data and compose manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed, scientific, quality and management journals.
• Advise and assist Primary Investigators in recruiting and retaining qualified research personnel. Build and administer educational programs to ensure new research staff are trained in lab procedures. Mentor technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Collaborate closely with clinical research team. Assist with clinical trial protocol development. Identify intramural and extramural funding sources. Secure and manage industry collaborations. Coordinate correlative studies.
• Identify, intramural and extramural opportunities for collaboration. Ensure effective communication with collaborators. Mnaage collaborative databases. Manage multi-institutional budgets. Organize meetings, including follow-up meetings. Develop, plan and implement strategies, goals, and approach for programs and events.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

#VBRI

Education

• Master's Degree in Science, Business, or related field required
• PhD PhD, MD or MD/PhD preferred

Experience

• 4-6 years Program/project administration or equivalent. required
• 1-3 years Leadership directing teams and individuals. required
• 1-3 years Experience with NIH grant funding and/or in biomedical research education setting. required
• 1-3 years Experience in highly collaborative environment. required
• 1-3 years Experience in academic and/or research institutional setting. required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Manage and prioritize multiple programs and projects with competing deadlines. required
• Flexible, adaptable, agile thinker. required
• Strong communication and collaboration. required
• Grant and manuscript writing required
• Knowledge of program development trends and best practices. required
• High emotional intelligence. required
• Unwavering commitment to excellence. required
• High ethical standards and integrity. required

Tools and Technology

• Personal computer (desktop, laptop, tablet). required
• Microsoft suite (word, excel, power point) preferred
• Adobe acrobat, PubMed, EndNote, and Prism applications. preferred
• Knowledge of NIH ASSIST and institutional proposal development software (e.g. Cayuse). preferred
• Computer programming (e.g. R, Python) preferred