Technical Program Manager – OCTO
The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.
The mission of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is not only to provide state of the art engineering infrastructure to the Allen Institute as a whole, but to also address high-risk, high-reward questions in biology through AI.
The role of the Technical Program Manager is pivotal for advancing the frontier of research at the Allen Institute. As we grapple with the complexities of computational biology at scale – be it in neuroscience, cell science, or immunology – the need for robust, scalable, and innovative data engineering solutions has never been more urgent.
Situated in the Office of the CTO, the Technical Program Manager will oversee multiple programs addressing scaling of tools and algorithms capable of handling petascale (and beyond) datasets, development and implementation of the Institute’s cloud strategy, and management of strategic partnerships with leading technology companies. Program leadership in these areas will be crucial for ensuring that our researchers have the computational resources they need to make groundbreaking discoveries.
The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.
Essential Functions
- Align programmatic goals with Scientific Unit needs: Collaborate closely with the Scientific Unit Technology programs to ensure that data infrastructure and software engineering initiatives are aligned with the scientific goals and needs of the Institute
- Develop and scale engineering and infrastructure programs: Oversee the creation and scaling of programs capable of handling petascale (and beyond) datasets, ensuring robust, scalable, and innovative solutions
- Manage cloud strategy implementation: Lead the implementation of the Institute’s cloud strategy across all scientific units and departments, ensuring solutions are scalable, high-performing, and cost-effective
- Identify and resolve adoption and implementation blockers: Proactively identify potential obstacles to technology adoption and implementation, developing and executing strategies to overcome these challenges
- Establish a Center of Excellence: Create and maintain a Center of Excellence for technology program management to elevate the standards and practices of technology program and project management across the Institute
- Drive team-wide processes and project management: Own and enhance processes for team-wide project management, including the development and tracking of metrics, and providing support where needed
- Create dashboards, reports, and presentations: Develop comprehensive dashboards, reports, and presentations to keep program teams, partner teams, and leadership informed about program status and progress, ensuring transparency and alignment
- Ensure data governance and compliance: Implement and oversee robust data governance and compliance measures across all scientific units and departments to ensure the integrity and security of data
- Foster strategic partnerships: Manage and nurture strategic partnerships with leading technology companies to leverage external expertise and resources for the Institute's benefit
- Mentor and lead teams: Provide guidance and leadership to program teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
- Minimum of 3 years’ progressive relevant post-bachelors experience in program or project management
Preferred Education and Experience
- M.S. or Ph.D. in computer science, engineering, business management, or related fields; with greater than 5 years progressive relevant post-degree experience
- Demonstrated advanced ability to translate technical subject matter into concise, clear communication understood by technical and non-technical leaders and constituents
- Experience managing programs/projects involving design of scalable software, data infrastructure, and/or use of big data
- A confident leader and self-starter able work both independently and collaboratively, fostering productive team dynamics.
- Adept at working effectively across scientific, technical, and business interfaces at all levels of an organization
- Strategic thinker; Solves complex problems and can lead in identification and implementation of potential solutions
- Skilled in keeping sight of the bigger picture despite distraction, setting expectations and priorities accordingly
- Comfortable with change, having demonstrated personal resilience, along with the ability to help others on the team navigate transitions
- Understands and applies Change Management best practices
- Strong track record of delivering services and/or shipping products
- Proficient in the use of program and project management, collaboration management, communication, and dashboard/reporting tools
- Experience with agile development processes and related techniques (i.e., scrum, backlog management, retrospective)
Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment
- Push/pull up to 50 lbs
- Stooping, bending, crouching
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.
Additional Comments
- **Please note, this opportunity can consider work visa sponsorship**
- **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
Annualized Salary Range
- Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
Benefits
- Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities