Strategy & Integration Officer-Stem Cell Institute - 138991

In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors and one (1) Brain Tumor and Neuro-Restoration Program.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

The Strategy and Integration Officer (SIO) is a recognized leader responsible for shaping the strategic direction, integration, and operations of the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI). Under the direction of the Executive Director of SSCI, the SIO operates in a highly visible and politically sensitive environment, requiring advanced professional judgment to drive critical initiatives. Incumbent leads the growth of key programs, aligning them with institutional priorities while addressing complex policy and operational challenges that impact both on-campus and external venues.

With significant influence over program initiatives and development, the SIO provides high-level support and advises executive leadership in planning, risk mitigation, and other issues associated with complex projects of a highly sensitive nature.

Integrates and connects with center leaders to ensure there are synergies and cross-collaborations between internal and external programs and partnerships.

Provides recommendations based on knowledge of broader data trends in political policies related to stem cell research. Serves as liaison with external parties, providing additional vision and leadership to the Institute.

Develops long and short-term plans for the SSCI and implements strategies to achieve its mission. May represent SSCI leadership at national and international meetings, conferences, and committees. Leads the growth of SSCI's research mission through activities intended to foster agency relationships and partnerships for the purpose of research development and pursuing existing federal research opportunities.

This position models strong professional ethics, exercising tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive and complex matters in a fluid environment. The incumbent strategizes ways to effectively manage and communicate the SSCI Director's priorities in support of the Institute's mission and service in stem cell research.

Uses advanced operational concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues. Regularly works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Primarily deals with programs and proposals with broad impact across the function, research initiative, program and / or organization. Develops and oversees the implementation of new programs and processes.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR an Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.

• Experience with developing and executing a strategic plan.

• Experience working with governments and/or elected officials.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

• Advanced knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs.

• Advanced project management skills.

• Thorough knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures.

• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.

• Advanced analytical / problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating proposals and developing communication to seek non-traditional funding resources.

• Seven (7) or more years of related experience

• Familiarity with the research interests of SSCI.

• Some travel to national and international meetings and conferences.

• Must be based in San Diego for in-office presence.