Program Manager - Postdoctoral Services and Operations

Program Manager For Postdoctoral Services And Operations

WashU's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is seeking a Program Manager for Postdoctoral Services and Operations, who reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Postdoctoral Affairs and works collaboratively with other members of the OPA leadership team. The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, coordinating essential postdoc services and supporting the decision-making processes of the Assistant Vice Chancellor and the Associate Director. This role leads policy implementation across departments, manages critical initiatives and resources, and leverages data to drive strategic planning. The Program Manager fosters a culture of transparency, equity, and excellence in postdoctoral affairs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead and ensure consistent implementation of postdoctoral policy across departments, maintaining compliance with institutional standards.

Serve as a primary resource for postdocs, faculty supervisors, and departmental staff on benefits, processes, and policy interpretation.

Resolve complex postdoctoral appointment and employment issues in collaboration with Human Resources, departments, and other relevant units.

Oversee planning, logistics, and execution of key OPA initiatives, including event coordination, award programs, nomination processes, and the annual OPA report.

Manage office resources and establish internal procedures to optimize operational efficiency.

Develop and implement strategies to enhance program accessibility, engagement, and impact across the postdoctoral community.

Maintain and reconcile postdoctoral data in Workday and internal databases to ensure accuracy.

Design and manage dashboards, metrics, and benchmarks to evaluate program effectiveness and produce data-driven reports.

Partner with the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Associate Director to translate complex data into actionable insights that guide high-level decisions.

Represent the OPA on committees and key events, serving as an advocate and thought leader for postdoctoral affairs.

Collaborate on cross-functional initiatives and special projects that advance OPA's mission and strategic priorities.

Working Conditions:

Occasional conference travel overnight

Occasional lifting, carrying, or pulling (up to 50 lbs.)

Onsite, with possibility of hybrid schedule

Physical Effort:

Typically sitting at a desk or table

Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement

Equipment:

Office equipment

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications /Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job:

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is committed to creating a supportive and competitive training environment for WashU postdocs. We provide all of them with equitable opportunities to excel at their work as researchers, scholars, and professional experts in their field while advancing their professional goals and creating strong bonds with the WashU community. We offer programs, resources, and services across both our Danforth and Medical campuses that are tailored to meet the specific needs of postdoctoral researchers, their faculty mentors, and the administrative staff that support them.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree

Certifications /Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills: Creative Approaches, New Initiatives, Organizing, Program Designing, Program Implementation, Public Health Education, Relationship Building, Self-Direction, Social Work, Team Collaboration, Teamwork, Training Course Development

Grade: G11

Salary Range: $53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / Annually

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to the External Applicant FAQ.

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Personal:

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness:

Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family:

We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit:

EEO Statement:

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.