Policy Research Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The Human Neuroimaging Center at the University of Notre Dame is seeking an accomplished and collaborative Scientific Program Director to provide scientific leadership and coordination for the Center’s research portfolio. Reporting to the Center Director, this role serves as a primary point of contact for faculty and researchers utilizing the Center’s neuroimaging facilities and helps ensure programs are innovative, well-coordinated, and aligned with the University’s research mission.

About the Position:

The Scientific Program Director combines scientific expertise with program management to support high-impact interdisciplinary research in cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, computer science, and related fields. The role advances best practices in neuroimaging methodology, data stewardship, and research compliance while coordinating multiple concurrent projects and partnerships.

This position works closely with Center leadership, faculty investigators, technical staff, and administrative personnel to align scientific priorities with operational capacity and long-term strategic goals. The Scientific Program Director contributes to a collaborative, research-driven environment and plays a key role in sustaining the Center’s national and international research profile.

Key Responsibilities:

Scientific Leadership & Grant Development

• Provide scientific leadership for Human Neuroimaging Center research programs, ensuring methodological rigor and alignment with emerging trends in human neuroimaging.
• Partner with faculty investigators to shape short- and long-term research priorities and programmatic goals.
• Monitor developments in neuroimaging methods, open science practices, and research policy to inform Center strategy.
• Support University faculty in the development of grant proposals, including scientific aims, methodological approaches, timelines, and data-management plans.
• Assist with reporting requirements for funded projects, including progress reports, renewals, and compliance documentation.
• Identify funding opportunities aligned with the Center’s mission and communicate them to faculty and research teams.

Research Program Coordination

• Coordinate and support multiple concurrent neuroimaging research projects.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and technical staff.
• Serve as a scientific point of contact for internal and external collaborators and institutional partners.

Operational & Compliance Oversight

• Work closely with Center leadership, technical staff, faculty users, and administrative staff to align scientific priorities with operational capacity and resources.
• Ensure research activities comply with Institutional Review Board (IRB), NIH, NSF, and University policies and standards.
• Support implementation of standardized workflows, protocols, and quality-assurance processes.
• Track and evaluate program outcomes, including publications, grant activity, and collaborative initiatives.
• Use data and stakeholder feedback to recommend improvements to scientific processes and overall program effectiveness.
• Contribute to strategic planning, annual reporting, and long-range visioning for the Center.

Mentorship, Training & Outreach

• Provide mentorship and guidance to research staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students on neuroimaging best practices and scientific workflows.
• Contribute to training initiatives, workshops, and seminars hosted by the Center.
• Represent the Center on internal University committees and in external professional engagements.

This is a four-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or supporting human neuroimaging research.
• Strong understanding of neuroimaging methodologies (e.g., MRI, fMRI, DTI, EEG) and research design.
• Experience coordinating complex research programs or multi-investigator projects.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams in an academic environment.

Preferred

• Postdoctoral training or equivalent advanced research experience.
• Experience supporting grant-funded research and federal reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with neuroimaging data standards, reproducible research practices, and open science frameworks.
• Experience in a research center, core facility, or large collaborative initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to balance scientific leadership with operational execution.

Additional Information

Application Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026.

Hiring Pay Range: Up to $95,000 annually.

Required Application Materials: Cover letter, CV, and (3) letters of recommendation.

Term: Four-year, limited-term. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.