Job Description

Location:

San Diego – hybrid work schedule.

Position Summary:

The Program Administrator will provide comprehensive administrative and programmatic support for the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium–Down Syndrome (ACTC-DS), working closely with Dr. Michael Rafii, MD, PhD, Director of ACTC-DS. This role requires in-depth knowledge of Down syndrome and/or Alzheimer’s disease, clinical trial operations, human subjects research, grant writing, and community recruitment and outreach. The ideal candidate will coordinate multiple aspects of the program to ensure smooth execution of clinical trials and effective communication among stakeholders and liaise with pharma and biotech partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Dr. Rafii and the leadership team in the administration and coordination of ACTC-DS clinical trials and related research activities.

• Support grant proposal development, including drafting, budget preparation, and submission tracking..

• Coordinate recruitment strategies and outreach initiatives to engage individuals with Down syndrome and their families for participation in clinical trials.

• Manage communication and collaboration across multiple trial sites, investigators, community partners, and advocacy organizations.

• Track project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and budgets to ensure adherence to grant and institutional requirements.

• Organize and or travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences related to ACTC-DS activities.

• Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation, databases, and records related to clinical trial operations and participant engagement.

Reporting Structure:

Reports directly to Dr. Michael Rafii and collaborates closely with the ACTC-DS leadership team.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV. Will require no less than three references.

The annual base salary range for this position is $96,215.67 - $137,753.37. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D ( for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

Required Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Life Sciences, Public Health, or related field; advanced degree preferred. - Demonstrated knowledge of Down syndrome and/or Alzheimer’s disease clinical research. - Experience in clinical trial administration or coordination, preferably within neurodegenerative disease research. - Familiarity with human subjects protection, IRB processes, and regulatory requirements. - Strong skills in community outreach and participant recruitment, particularly with populations affected by developmental disabilities. - Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage diverse stakeholders. - Proficiency with standard office software and research management tools. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working in a multi-site clinical trial consortium or network. - Understanding of data management and clinical trial software platforms. - Knowledge of NIH and other major funding agency processes.

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