Program Associate 2, Research Infrastructure And Innovation

A cover letter is required for application to this position.

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.

The Research Infrastructure and Innovation division leads PCORI's efforts to integrate data, technology, methods, and training to support innovation in the infrastructure domains that advance the conduct and value of patient-centered clinical comparative effectiveness research (CER) - and to accelerate progress toward an integrated learning health system.

Housed within the Research Infrastructure and Innovation division are three units: Patient-centered Methods, Research, Data, and Technology, and Workforce Development.

• CER Methods focuses on improving methods for the design and conduct of clinical studies with the goal of improving the strength and quality of evidence generated by patient-centered CER. PCORI's Methodology Committee has developed methodology standards for all research funded by PCORI. These standards represent basic practices in planning, designing, and conducting studies to ensure rigorous methodological approaches for the conduct of patient-centered CER, including ensuring patient-centeredness and engagement throughout the research process.

• Research, Data, and Technology supports strategies to optimize use, accessibility, quality, and interoperability of clinical data for patient-centered CER and other health research. PCORnet was funded by PCORI to serve as a national resource where high-quality health data, patient partnership, and research expertise deliver fast, trustworthy answers that advance health outcomes.

• Workforce Development develops, executes, and leads strategies to advance an expanded, skilled, strong, diverse, and sustainable patient-centered CER workforce that includes researchers and research staff, clinicians, communities, patient and caregiver partners, and others from diverse backgrounds that both lead and partner in research. Workforce Development oversees a portfolio of funded projects and strategic partnerships to support the development of training and capacity building programs, curricula, materials, and other resources to build the skill and capacity of all members of the patient-centered CER workforce.

Position Summary

The Program Associate will contribute to the implementation of PCORI's strategic priorities, including assisting with carrying out the mission of PCORI's Research Infrastructure and Innovation division. The Program Associate works independently, with guidance, and collaboratively to support the Research Infrastructure and Innovation division and develop and implement activities in the following areas: portfolio management, report analysis, and meeting management. The Program Associate assists in designing and implementing new initiatives, evaluating proposals, and monitoring programs and awards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Program Responsibilities:

• Serve as administrator for scientific portfolios, including project management, tracking, and correspondence with project teams.

• Assist Associate Directors, Program Officers, and Senior Advisor of CER Methods with monitoring and active portfolio management of complex research and non-research projects.

• Coordinate and implement meetings, such as convenings, workgroups, task forces, advisory panels, and webinars.

• Participate in long and short-term program development, planning, and evaluation of CER Methods, Research, Data, and Technology, and Workforce Development initiatives and programs.

• Collaborate and work with all other PCORI units and divisions, including Program Operations, Finance, Office of General Counsel, Engagement, Dissemination and Implementation, and Communications as necessary, including participating in cross-department work groups as appropriate.

Portfolio Management:

• 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.

• Identify milestones and monitor progress of funded projects for tracking progress and ensure appropriate documentation and status reporting of projects.

• Produce reports, presentations, and related materials regarding CER infrastructure, including Workforce Development, the PCOR Methods portfolio, and Methodology Committee's activities, particularly to report outcomes for the public and internal audiences with oversight from the Senior Advisor or Associate Director.

• Assist with implementing PCORI's policies and processes for I&I funding initiatives.

• Work with staff and consultants to develop new programmatic initiatives, assess results from previous and current awards and contracts, and actively disseminate results and findings to other staff, awardees, and the field as appropriate.

• Lead multi-faceted projects by setting the direction of the project and developing project plans which identify key issues, problems, approaches, timelines, and resources required.

• Support PCORI's evaluation and analysis work on Research Infrastructure and Innovation initiatives, as needed.

Organizational Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Attend external meetings and conferences on behalf of PCORI, at the discretion of the Associate Director or Senior Advisor.

• Represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, program funding and award results. Respond to public inquiries about programs, funding opportunities, and the application process.

• Work with senior leadership to coordinate and/or prepare materials for Advisory Panel, Board of Governors, and Board subcommittee meetings, among others.

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

• Understanding of and interest in patient-centered research, particularly CER, research infrastructure, workforce development, and/or patient-centered research methods.

• Works independently on moderately complex assignments with minimal supervision.

• Interprets and expands complex and diverse tasks and procedures including organizational policies and procedures to manage complex portfolio of research and infrastructure projects.

• Uses independent judgment and discretion.

• 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.

• Excellent written communication oral presentation skills.

• Excellent analytic and research skills.

• 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.

• Personally motivated to support the 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.

• 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.

• 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 be responsive and clear with applicants for funding.

• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities.

• Ability to envision innovative solutions.

• Proficient in the use of technology, including effective use of electronic communications.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree plus four (4) years of related work experience required, Master's degree in a related field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA) or its equivalent with zero (0) to four (4) years of related work experience preferred. Applicants with advanced academic or professional credentials, extensive years of relevant health research experience, and/or experience working in a funding organization/agency may be considered for Senior Program Associate roles.

• Experience in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit or government sector.

Salary Range: $74,542 - $93,178

The above range represents the salary or hourly pay range expected for the position; however, final offers are based on several factors such as the position's responsibilities; the candidate's experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in PCORI-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents.

PCORI recommends all members of the PCORI workforce adhere to the CDC recommendations regarding staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination.

Conflict of Interest.

PCORI wants to ensure that prospective employees are aware of its conflict-of-interest policies so that employment deliberations take into consideration this aspect of PCORI employment. PCORI requires all PCORI employees to disclose upon commencement of their employment and on an annual basis all individual and close relatives financial, business, and personal association with the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI. All disclosures made by employees are made publicly available on PCORI's website. Disclosures must include all financial, business, and personal associations with any health or healthcare-related organizations. Disclosures should include all associations with any other organizations that have the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI, including but not limited to vendors or other third parties with whom PCORI has a contract or that PCORI has funded. For more information, please visit PCORI-Conflict-of-Interest-Policies-Outside-Employment-Policy.pdf

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.

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Tracking Code

1414-858