Professional Development

Job Description

Department: Research Synthesis and New Technology

Reports to: Associate Director, Research Synthesis and New Technology

Candidate must submit cover letter with application.

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is authorized by Congress to conduct research to provide information about the best available evidence to help patients and their health care providers make more informed decisions. PCORI’s research is intended to give patients a better understanding of the prevention, treatment and care options available, and the science that supports those options.

Position Summary

The Program Officer is integral to the programmatic functions of PCORI’s Research Synthesis team, a growing program that supports systematic and transparent synthesis of health studies in order to 1) increase access to high quality and up-to-date research evidence and 2) assist in setting research priorities. The Research Synthesis team strives to be innovative in approach to product development with the goal of producing work that is meaningful to a wide range of stakeholders such as patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers, payers, and policy makers. Examples of recent work include PCORI’s evidence map of Social Needs Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes and a rapid review to guide future research initiatives focused on Video Teleconferencing for Disease Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment (recently published in Annals of Internal Medicine). We are currently partnering with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to complete systematic reviews to inform strategies for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality as well as improving health of persons living with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Program Officer for Research Synthesis is responsible for strategic decision-making, management and monitoring of a portfolio of evidence synthesis products (e.g. systematic reviews, rapid reviews, evidence maps) that advance PCORI’s patient-centered research agenda. The primary responsibilities of the Program Officer include providing intellectual and organizational leadership to shape the Research Synthesis program agenda, work with stakeholders (external and within PCORI) to identify and develop topics, award and manage a diverse portfolio of contracts, and evaluate program activities to further the strategic direction of the Research Synthesis program. Specifically, the Program Officer will develop statements of work for contracts that will meet the requirements of stakeholder assessments, liaison across teams at PCORI, and work with Procurement to select meritorious contractors for the work. The Program Officer will then oversee the contractor’s work to provide insight on PCORI’s needs and requirements as well as to ensure timely completion of quality products. This position requires a deep understanding of clinical research study design along with additional key skills including careful attention to details, personal initiative, creativity, flexibility, and excellent relationship building skills. Experience with research synthesis products and methods is desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Synthesis Program and Portfolio Management Responsibilities

• Assist the Associate Director, Research Synthesis, in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for the Research Synthesis Program.
• Manage a portfolio of research synthesis products including systematic reviews, rapid reviews, and evidence maps and visualizations.
• Work with stakeholders and PCORI staff to determine priority topics for which research or evaluation of the current literature could 1) contribute to improved decision making and improved patient outcomes in health care or 2) identify gaps in knowledge and inform PCORI’s future clinical research.
• Use systematic and transparent approaches to gather, synthesize, and analyze literature as well as other data sources to support topic feasibility and topic development.
• Oversee contractors’ work in developing evidence synthesis products on health care interventions, which includes developing requests for proposals, reviewing contract applications, monitoring attainment of contract milestones and overall project progress, and oversight and review of the contractors’ work to ensure accuracy.
• Identify and manage program activities that advance Research Synthesis and PCORI’s patient-centered research agenda, including leadership roles in executing stakeholder workshops and developing new products and standardize procedures within Research Synthesis.
• Collaborate with staff within Research Synthesis and from other PCORI programs, including Science, Engagement, Communications, and Contracts Management staff in implementing program activities.

Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Represents PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding, and the proposal process and award results. 
• Participates in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional status.
• Leads, contributes to, and participates in internal groups and teams and cross-cutting initiatives. Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by PCORI management.
• 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.

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 written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong skills in clinical research methods, which may be reflected by prior success in publishing first-authored scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with evidence syntheses such as systematic review, meta-analysis, and evidence maps, preferred.
• Understanding of clinical care and health care systems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong oral presentation skills.
• Strong project and people management 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.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegian, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management.
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and clear with external contractors.
• Ability to travel, as required, including for site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings.
• Proficient in the use of technology, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Endnote.

Required Experience

• 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, bio-statistics, economics) OR a Master’s degree in relevant field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA) and 5+ years of experience OR a clinical degree (e.g. medicine, nursing, pharmacy).
• Proven track record and leadership potential in clinical research.
• Proven track record and leadership in evidence synthesis preferred.
• Demonstrated progressive experience working with researchers and end-users of research preferred.
• Strong record of published work 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. 

 Candidate must submit cover letter with application.