Science Officer (Autoimmune/Genetic Disorders/Infectious Diseases)

Are you passionate about guiding ground-breaking science through every stage of the grants process? Do you want to help shape the future of innovations in Autoimmune, Genetic, and/or Infectious Diseases?

Ripple Effect is looking for a Science Officer with research and grants administration experience in Autoimmune, Genetic, and/or Infectious Diseases to support our client’s mission. This role will work closely with Defense Health Agency staff supporting the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to provide health sciences awards management support and topic-specific portfolio oversight. 

Science Officers are primarily responsible for grants administration, meaning that they handle everything from helping to negotiate the research grant, tracking progress throughout its life (reviewing annual reports and helping with any contract modifications that arise), assessing the relevance of reported publications and patents, and closing out the award. They serve as the primary point of contact for the funded investigator, acting as a liaison between the investigator and the contracting, regulatory, and other military sponsors. They will apply scientific knowledge and general understanding of grant funding to provide technical review and oversight of award negotiation and progress and provides recommendations to the government representative or contracting agency to support the organization’s mission. 

If this position sounds of interest, there’s a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We offer a diverse and engaging work environment, with a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle. 

General Information 

• Job Code: SHR-SR-04M

• Location: Client Site/Remote

• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular  
  (Ask our recruiters about flexible work arrangements) 

• Telework: Full-time/Remote
• Clearance: NACI

• Citizenship: United States Required by Government
• Manager: Yes
• Number of Openings: 1

• Salary Range: $105,166.47 - $145,129.73 per year (how we pay and promote) 

Responsibilities 

• Provide scientific, management, and administrative support to CDMRP 

• Administer research awards, including basic science and multi-institutional and multidisciplinary consortia, advanced therapeutic development, and clinical trial research awards 

• Review proposals that have been recommended for funding, considering peer and programmatic review comments, and provide notes to the contracting agency to assist with award negotiation 

• Identify missing regulatory information and documentation required for compliance 

• Review the current and pending support documents for grant overlap issues to include duplication of funding with other agencies, either federal or private 

• Identify notable research accomplishments and provide scientific writing support focused on highlights, program book content, annual report content, press releases, and other print and electronic products 

• Maintain accurate grant files and track compliance through an internal electronic database system 

• Assign and review portfolio codes for new research awards 

• Facilitate communication efforts with the research protections office, contracting activities authority, and the PI and their research team regarding issues with their research grant 

• Identify research awards (i.e., clinical trials) that require specific project milestones and work with the contracting office, sponsor, and PI to establish appropriate metrics and milestones such as a one-year milestone for human subject’s approval 

• Review quarterly, annual, and final technical progress reports 

• Verify that the SOW is being followed and all regulatory approvals are in place for the work being done 

• Assess the relevance of reported publications and patents 

• Provide briefings regarding the research portfolio to CDMRP, USAMRMC and DOD leadership, as needed 

• Participate in working groups such as Program Evaluation, Consumer Working Group, SBIR/STTR, Technology Development Working Group, and the Internal Review Process as a program resource 

• May attend peer review, programmatic review, and scientific conferences as requested by CDMRP as a program resource 

Areas of Research  

Science Officers should specialize in an area of biomedical research. Areas of science may include, but not be limited to one of the following:  

• Autoimmune, Genetic, and/or Infectious Diseases

Minimum Education and Experience 

• Masters in a discipline relevant to the scientific areas listed in the project description  

• 8 years of relevant professional experience including:
• 3 years of experience in grants management, or
• a minimum of 5 years of experience conducting biomedical research 

Basic Requirements 

• Must work effectively in a team environment while demonstrating leadership in activities, when appropriate.

• Demonstrated strength in oral and written communication skills, including ensuring that products are technically competent and professional looking  
• Demonstrated background in Autoimmune, Genetic, and/or Infectious Diseases applying solid methodological approaches  

• Use innovative, creative approaches when necessary (to meet novel needs and/or solve problems) 

• Ability to work productively in SharePoint to accomplish tasks  

To be successful at Ripple Effect, you must be able to pay attention to details, clearly communicate, work independently, and have an eagerness to learn. Learn more about what makes Ripple so great check out our capabilities.  

Skills That Set You Apart 

• PhD in a discipline relevant to the scientific areas listed is preferred
• Portfolio management experience  

• Strong computer database skills  

• Strong communication skills, particularly to non-scientific audiences  

• Knowledge of Electronic Grant System (EGS)  

• Experience with human/animal subjects protection requirements  

• Experience with military research, CDMRP, or related programs 

If you don’t have all of the skills above, don’t be discouraged—no resume paints a complete picture of a person. There’s a good chance you’re more wonderful than you think, so please apply! 

About Ripple Effect 

Ripple Effect is an award-winning women-owned small business providing professional consulting and exceptional talent for federal, private, and non-profit clients. We deliver multi-disciplinary solutions across Communications & Outreach, Research & Evaluation, Program Management & Policy, Digital Transformation, and Technical & Scientific Support solutions with a focus on science, research, and healthcare domains. 

Hiring Process | Life at Ripple  

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences. 

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at [email protected] or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.