Program Officer, Science Jobs

Post Date

12/19/2022

Job Location

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

Department: Science

Reports to: Associate Director, Science

Candidate must submit cover letter with application.

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

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Program Officer is responsible for strategic decision-making and high-level program planning, management and monitoring of a program portfolio and program activities (e.g., advisory panels, workgroup meetings) that advance PCORI’s patient-centered research agenda. The primary responsibilities include providing scientific oversight for funded research awards, development of funding announcements, and evaluation and implementation of program activities to further the strategic direction of the program.

We are seeking to fill multiple vacancies under this posting for the Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research Program (HDDR). Applicants with advanced academic or professional credentials or extensive years of relevant experience may be considered for Senior Program Officer. A cover letter is required for application to this position.

Duties And Responsibilities

General Program Responsibilities:

• Assists Associate Director, Program Director and Science leadership in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for the Program.
• Works closely with a team of PCORI staff in managing research awards.
• Collaborates with staff from other PCORI Science programs, as well as Engagement, Communications, and Contracts Management staff in implementing program activities.
• Identifies and manages the development and implementation of program funding activities (e.g., funding opportunity announcements).

Portfolio Management:

• Advises potential applicants regarding their applications and the application process.
• Evaluates the program’s portfolio to ensure balance and to identify need for modification of strategic funding directions and opportunities.
• Collaborates with contract management staff to assess status of projects.
• Develops, with assistance from PCORI staff and external organizations, program-specific PCORI funding announcements.
• Actively engages in PCORI’s processes for reviewing and awarding applications received through the PCORI funding announcement process.
• Identifies and manages the design and implementation of activities related to the development of program-specific PCORI funding announcements (e.g., convening workgroup and advisory panels meetings, working with external organizations including government organizations).
• Engages in active portfolio management by monitoring awardees’ attainment of contract milestones and overall study progress, conducting site visits, and implementing learning networks or conferences to facilitate shared learning opportunities for relevant stakeholders.
• Advises awardees on the execution of their contracts.

Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Keeps Program Director and team appraised of developments and occurrences in the field that are likely to affect program decision-making, strategies, and/or award decision-making.
• Represents PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding, and the application process and award results.
• Leads, contributes to, and participates in internal groups and teams and cross-cutting initiatives. Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by PCORI management.
• Participates in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional status.

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

• Able to synthesize material and focus quickly on the essence of an issue; to identify major opportunities in a specific area; to see the big picture
• Ability to handle and manage multiple priorities effectively; must be adept at organizing time efficiently; high tolerance for ambiguity; ability to understand and work effectively with PCORI staff members
• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities
• Outstanding 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
• Proficient in the use of technology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Personally motivated to support PCORI’s mission and goals; to work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals
• Ability to envision innovative solutions
• Strong oral presentation skills
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Strong project and people management skills
• Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and clear with funding announcement applicants
• Ability to travel, as required, including for site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings;

Required Experience

For the Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research Program (HDDR):

• Preference for topical expertise in one or more of the following areas: maternal morbidity/mortality intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, disparities, telemedicine, chronic disease management, community-based and public health delivery systems, payer and policy interventions to improve patient-centered outcomes.
• Proven track record and leadership in either Health Systems and/or Disparities research; and/or extensive experience or scientific leadership in specific area of knowledge; extensive experience plus proven leadership in a funding research agency/organization; and/or extensive experience and proven leadership in research program and staff management.
• Doctoral degree and 2+ years of experience in a research discipline relevant to patient-centered outcomes research (e.g., clinical epidemiology, health services research, sociology, psychology, health policy, biostatistics, economics, bioinformatics, data science, education or health education) OR a Master’s degree in relevant field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA) and 7+ years of experience.
• HDDR is seeking a Program Officer with demonstrated expertise in health systems and/or disparities research preferred, with experience in clinical trial design, execution, and research methods, and/or natural experimental designs and methods which may be reflected by prior success in publishing first-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Senior Program Officer (For Both Programs):

• In addition to the aforementioned duties, responsibilities, and skill set, candidates with doctoral degree plus minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in a research discipline relevant to patient-centered outcomes research and/or extensive experience plus proven leadership in a funding research agency/organization; through developing productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management may be considered for a Senior Program Officer role.

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.

Candidate must submit cover letter with application.

Tracking Code

1246-858