Director of Scientific Programs

By | May 26, 2026

Director of Scientific Programs

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Job ID: 10235181

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Rockville, MD, US

Scientific

Doctorate/PhD

Full Time, Temporary

$206,440 - $227,000

Manager (Manager/Supervisor)

On-site

Government and Public Sector

First Shift (Day)

Rockville, MD, US

$206,440 - $227,000

Manager (Manager/Supervisor)

Full Time, Temporary

Government and Public Sector

On-site

Scientific

Doctorate/PhD

First Shift (Day)

Apply Now Applied

Job details

Director of Scientific Programs & Strategic Initiatives

Location: On-site, Rockville, MD
Compensation: $206,440 – $227,000
Type: Full-time 

Kelly Government Solutions is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Senior Director of Scientific Programs & Strategy for a major federal health organization. In this role, you will drive large-scale scientific program management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration—working closely with senior leadership to advance national scientific and healthcare priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement robust policies and procedures, and guide staff in executing scientific program initiatives.

  • Oversee end-to-end project management for high-impact research and clinical programs, ensuring timely completion, fiscal oversight, and outcome reporting.

  • Lead design and review of major scientific studies, survey instruments, analytical databases, and computerized data collection systems.

  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, workshops, and consultations—facilitating effective collaboration among experts in diverse research fields.

  • Collect, analyze, and synthesize complex scientific, programmatic, and big data/bioinformatics information; prepare professional presentations, manuscripts, data summaries, and educational materials.

  • Direct ongoing administrative and portfolio analyses to evaluate program effectiveness, productivity, and progress toward organizational goals.

  • Troubleshoot operational and technical challenges related to clinical research protocols; spearhead continuous process improvements.

  • Identify knowledge gaps and strategic opportunities, propose and launch new research initiatives, and shape future funding concepts.

  • Guide the development and maintenance of data management systems, coordinate use of advanced automated platforms, and oversee hardware calibration and screening library preparation.

  • Prepare executive summaries, technical reports, and briefing materials for senior management and stakeholders; ensure timely communication of project progress and emerging research advances.

  • Evaluate scientific programs, analyze policies and procedures, and lead comprehensive studies to establish metrics, milestones, and strategic plans.

  • Provide scientific review and analysis of grant proposals; interact with potential grantees and thought leaders to inform funding decisions.

  • Mentor scientific program staff, facilitate ongoing education, and build team capacity for excellence in scientific program management.

Requirements:

  • Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a scientific, biomedical, or related field; MBA or MPA a plus.

  • Minimum 7 years’ experience in scientific program/director-level management, preferably in federal government, NIH, DoD, or large healthcare systems.

  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic program planning, policy development, bioinformatics/big data analysis, and cross-functional team leadership.

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; proven track record of preparing executive-level reports and scientific publications.

  • Experience with clinical research protocol development, regulatory compliance, grant analysis, and technology/platform oversight.

  • Advanced proficiency with electronic data management systems, analytic databases, and tools for large-scale scientific data synthesis.

  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities; ability to influence and drive operational excellence in complex environments.

  • Local residency required; must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Why Kelly Government Solutions?

  • Over 25 years as a trusted partner to federal healthcare agencies

  • Commitment to professional development, equity, and inclusion

  • Impact-driven work advancing public health and scientific innovation

Apply Now—lead the future of national scientific research, innovation, and policy!

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