Special Projects Manager – Scientific Operations

Job Description

Special Projects Manager, Scientific Operations | American Heart Association

The Tone:
This is a full-time, home-based role at the American Heart Association, with a default location in Dallas, TX. Since its founding in 1924, the American Heart Association has been a relentless force in cutting cardiovascular disease deaths in half and aims to drive breakthroughs in science, policy, and care. This position supports the Sustainable Food Systems @ Heart portfolio, specifically the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI), a global science-to-action initiative co-managed by AHA. PTFI is building scientific infrastructure, tools, and capacity to characterize food quality, mapping edible biodiversity based on macronutrients, micronutrients, and specialized metabolites. This role is crucial for enabling data-driven solutions in food, agriculture, and health for a healthier future.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Home-based, Dallas, TX
• Pay: $60000–$67000 yearly
• Team: PTFI Global Lab Ecosystem, reporting to the Senior Program Manager.
• Mission: Support the operational coordination and scaling of the PTFI Global Lab Ecosystem.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, Google Drive (including Google Docs), database management.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Contracts and Agreements: Execute and manage contracts and other agreements for PTFI with collaborating labs, vendors, and service providers, including monitoring approval status, routing for signatures, and tracking timelines.
• Monitoring: Maintain project deliverables and deadlines by effectively managing time and communicating with internal and external partners.
• Shipping and Logistics: Coordinate and monitor shipping processes for onboarding new PTFI labs, including generating labels and liaising with companies and labs.
• Administrative, Coordination and Event Support: Perform various administrative tasks, maintain project documentation, and support virtual and in-person meetings and education events by coordinating logistics such as venue booking, travel, meal planning, meeting minutes, and follow-up.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, public health, biological or chemical sciences, agricultural sciences, data science, or a related field is required. This role requires an understanding of interdisciplinary and multi-institutional science programs to translate complex technical concepts into clear operational processes.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of administrative support experience is required, specifically with participation in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in multi-institutional research environments and familiarity with multi-omics, food composition analysis, food systems research, or data science. Global experience is preferred.
• Skills: Demonstrated strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for multiple audiences. Proficiency in contracting, excellent process management, and strong problem-solving skills are essential. Required computer proficiency includes Microsoft Office, Google Drive (including Google Docs), and database management, with the ability to learn new software applications. The ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams in a global environment is critical.
• Bonus: A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or public health field is preferred. Preferred knowledge includes food composition analysis, food systems research, and data science. The ability to travel up to 10% of the time per year is also preferred.