Program Associate, Healthcare Delivery & Disparities Research

Post Date

5/31/2023

Job Location

1333 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia

Department: Healthcare Delivery & Disparities Research

Reports to: Associate Director, Science

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work.

Position Summary

The Program Associate will contribute to the implementation of PCORI’s research agenda and assist with carrying out the mission of this program. The Program Associate works collaboratively primarily in the following areas: scientific project management and oversight and support of funding initiatives and processes.

We are seeking to fill multiple vacancies under this posting for both the Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science Program (CEDS) and the Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research Program (HDDR).

Duties And Responsibilities

General Program Responsibilities:

• Assist Program Officers, Associate Director, and/or Program Director with administrative and facilitation tasks as requested, including onboarding/training new employees and coordinating and implementing internal and external meetings including work groups, task forces, advisory panels and webinars.
• Collaborate with other PCORI departments, including Contracts Management, Finance, Engagement, and Communications as necessary, including participating in cross-department work groups as appropriate.
• Perform literature reviews or synthesize systematic reviews relevant to programmatic research priorities, funded projects, or applications to assess evidence gaps or summarize the existing evidence base.
• Serve as research administrator for scientific portfolios, including project management, tracking, and correspondence with study teams.
• Participate in program development, strategic planning, and evaluation of funding initiatives and scientific programs.

Portfolio Management:

• Identify milestones and monitor progress of funded projects and ensure appropriate documentation and status reporting of projects.
• Produce reports, presentations and related materials regarding PCORI’s activities and outcomes, including materials for Board or subcommittee meetings, with direction from Program Officers and senior leadership.
• Assist with implementing and improving PCORI’s processes for funding awards and/or other PCORI policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for PCORI-funded investigators, responding to inquiries as appropriate or triaging to Program Officers as required. Collaborate with Program Officers to proactively identify potential study design or operation issues and assist in developing remediation plans.
• Assist with monitoring of contractual work, such as the work related to topic brief, landscape review or other project development to ensure accuracy of content and timely delivery.
• Lead or participate in pre-award processes including reviewing letters of intent for programmatic fit and responsiveness, attending and synthesizing scientific merit review discussions, and contributing to programmatic discussions and evaluation of applications.

Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Attend external meetings and conferences on behalf of PCORI, on topics related to PCORI’s portfolio. Program Associate may also be asked to represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding and award results at PCORI-sponsored events or at scientific conferences or events for professional development purposes.
• Respond to public inquiries from prospective applicants about relevant PCORI funding announcements, alignment of prospective research ideas with programmatic goals, and technical questions related to the application process.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Required Skills

• Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to think independently, to be flexible and to juggle multiple priorities for multiple managers, work with minimal supervision, and to be tolerant of ambiguity and change;
• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities;
• Ability to make decisions, justifies recommendations, and is responsive and clear with proposal applicants;
• Excellent analytic skills and ability to synthesize and translate complicated material into clear and simple language. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals and periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;
• Ability to travel as required.
• Ability to produce polished, quality work products that demonstrate a high-level of attention to detail;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and articulate, professional speaking abilities both for routine internal or external communication purposes as well as formal oral presentations;
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally;
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management;
• Personally motivated to support PCORI’s mission and goals; work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to novel and innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals;
• Proficient in the use of technology and electronic communications skills;

Required Experience

• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA). One to four years of related work experience required.
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research training is preferred
• Experience working in health-related research, familiarity with a research application or protocol and research methods
• Experience working in health-related research, familiarity with a research application or protocol and research methods
• Experience in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit, academic or government sector and experience with a funding agency/organization is desirable.
• Previous work experience and demonstrated interest in either or both of HDDR’s program areas (Health Systems, Disparities) is preferred.
• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA) with at least one year of related work experience is strongly preferred
• Experience in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit, academic or government sector and experience with a funding agency/organization is desirable
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research training is preferred

For CEDS:

• Previous work experience and demonstrated interest in one or more of CEDS’ program areas (Increase Evidence for Existing Interventions and Emerging Innovations and/or Advance the Science of Dissemination, Implementation, and Health Communication) is preferred.

For HDDR:

• Previous work experience and demonstrated interest in either or both of HDDR’s program areas (Accelerate Progress Towards an Integrated Learning Health System and/or Achieve Health Equity) is preferred.

The health and safety of our employees is a top priority. As part of that commitment, PCORI requires all employees, regardless of remote work status, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or new employee at PCORI, you will be required to comply with PCORI's vaccination policy, report your vaccination status, and provide proof of vaccination. Compliance with the policy does allow for exceptions, but those exceptions will only be granted in circumstances related to medical conditions, disabilities, and sincerely held religious beliefs. Continuing with this application indicates your intent to comply with PCORI's Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

PCORI conducts background checks on all applicants.

PCORI’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

PCORI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity both internal and external to the workplace. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Tracking Code

1316-858