Lead Program Analyst

Overview

The Lead Program Analyst will play a critical role in supporting the scientific merit review process for government-funded research programs. This position requires an individual with strong analytical skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a deep understanding of scientific research processes. The Lead Program Analyst will coordinate and oversee the review process, ensuring that all aspects are executed efficiently and in compliance with established guidelines and regulations.

LMI is a consultancy dedicated to powering a future-ready, high-performing government, drawing from expertise in digital and analytic solutions, logistics, and management advisory services. We deliver integrated capabilities that incorporate emerging technologies and are tailored to customers’ unique mission needs, backed by objective research and data analysis. Founded in 1961 to help the Department of Defense resolve complex logistics management challenges, LMI continues to enable growth and transformation, enhance operational readiness and resiliency, and ensure mission success for federal civilian and defense agencies.

LMI has been named a 2024 #BestPlacestoWork in the United States by Built In! We are honored to be recognized as a company that values a people-centered culture, and we are grateful to our employees for making this possible!

Responsibilities

Position Expectations:

• Perform all required responsibilities and duties in accordance with LMI/MRSS policies and procedures.
• Actively engage in your role, make informed decisions, be accountable for all outcomes, critically think, and be a positive influence for LMI/MRSS.
• Deliver exceptional service to internal and external clients, partners, teammates.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform the in-take, validation, and compliance review of all peer-reviewed scientifically based merit proposals.
• Facilitate meetings, generate discussion amongst team members and effectively document meeting outcome and actions items.
• Analyze review outcomes and provide detailed reports summarizing the findings and recommendations of the review panels.
• Generate metrics and performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the merit review process.
• Manage communication with stakeholders to ensure effective dissemination of program related information.
• Consult and assist the government-client with tasks supporting all pre and post peer-review meeting activities such as logistics, communication, facilitating and coordinating participant involvement, etc.
• Interact and collaborate with service area Project Manager in the support of the merit review process.
• Analyze and disseminate data regarding program support.
• Critically think through MRSS processes, positively impacting efficiency
• Analyze data integrity of scientific merit-based proposals and coordinate with field investigators on correcting errors.
• Assist Project Manager with training and development of team members ensuring they have the necessary skills to perform their duties.
• Interface with internal and external peer-review program participants to coordinate and provide consultation on overall activities to support government-client goals.
• Provide program management support to scientific portfolio managers in the administrative management and budgetary tracking of the research and development portfolio.
• Upon government-client approval facilitate the dissemination of peer-review proposal funding results to Department of Veterans Affairs research facilities.
• Manage the government-client in ensuring all peer-review meetings are conducted per established requirements.
• Manage all Merit review research proposals activities using eRA Commons system.
• Facilitate, manage, and analyze peer-review program documentation to include reports, correspondence, schedules, technical instructions/procedures or related materials.
• Review and analyze scientific research-based proposals for further consideration of funding.
• Evaluate funding requests from Principal Investigators and report discrepancies to VA-ORD research staff.
• Consult with VA-ORD staff on process enhancements and organizational process updates.
• Provide best practices regarding merit review facilitation to Scientific Portfolio Managers.
• Allocate funds to Principal Investigators within the Electronic Research Administration system based off research service decision making.
• Review and analyze Pre and Post meeting reviewer conflicts for validity.
• Analyze Merit review processes and provide enhancements or changes to client support.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in an administrative or program support role, preferably within a dynamic, client-facing environment.

• Proven critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams, contributing to shared goals and resolving challenges effectively.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and communicate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and clients.

• Commitment to delivering high-quality service in alignment with LMI/MRSS standards and expectations.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Experience working with the Veteran Affairs Office of Research and Development.
• 1-2 years of mentoring/training other peers or employees.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate meetings.
• Experience working in research-based systems. (eRA , NIH, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, databases).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Target salary range: $56,000 - $83,000. Final compensation will be determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to your skills, experience, education, and/or certifications.

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

Disclaimer

This description in no way implies that the duties listed here are the only ones the employee can be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks as dictated by their supervisor or MRSS leadership.