DEPARTMENT: Research Synthesis
REPORTS TO: Senior Program Officer, Research Synthesis
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Associate will contribute to the implementation of PCORI’s research agenda in the area of Research Synthesis, a 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 Program Associate works independently, with guidance, and collaboratively to develop and support activities in the following areas: programming, research, and contract management and report analysis. In this position, the Program Associate primarily focuses on developing and refining topics for future PCORI research projects. Other responsibilities may include assisting in the design and implementation of new initiatives, the evaluation of proposals, and monitoring programs and awards. This position requires strong writing and project management skills including careful attention to details, personal initiative, flexibility, resourcefulness and excellent relationship building skills.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROGRAM AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Uses a systematic and transparent approaches to gather, synthesize, and analyze literature as well as other data sources to support topic feasibility scans and topic development.
- Coordinates and trains PCORI staff to work on research synthesis topic development activities.
- Participates in short and long-term program development, planning, and evaluation of team initiatives and programs.
- Collaborates with staff from OCSO, other PCORI Science programs as well as Engagement, Communications, and Contracts Management staff in implementing program activities for the Research Synthesis Program.
- Assists with the monitoring and management of a portfolio of systematic evidence synthesis projects, to ensure quality of deliverables and adherence to timelines.
- Identifies milestones, monitors progress of projects, and ensures appropriate documentation and status reporting of projects.
- Produces reports, presentations, and related materials regarding PCORI’s topic development activities with direction from the Senior Program Officer or Research Program Manager.
- Assists with implementing PCORI’s policies and procedures.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS:
- Attends external meetings and conferences on behalf of PCORI, at the discretion of the Senior Program Officer or Research Program Director. Senior level may respond to public inquiries about the application process for funding.
- Work with senior leadership to coordinate and/or prepare materials for Board or subcommittee meetings.
- Assist Senior Program Officer and Research Program Manager with administrative and facilitation tasks, as needed and requested.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
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.
*PCORI STAFF CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT - No PCORI employee can receive a direct financial benefit from a healthcare related organization during the course of his/her employment with PCORI.
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PCORI conducts background checks on all applicants.
PCORI is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace.
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;
- Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills;
- 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;
- Personally motivated to support PCORI’s mission and goals; works 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 proposal applicants;
- Strong research and electronic communications skills;
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment;
- Ability to travel as required;
- Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities;
- Ability to envision innovative solutions;
- Proficient in the use of technology.
Required Experience
- Bachelor's degree plus two (2) years of related work experience required, Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP) or its equivalent with zero (0) to four (4) years of related work experience preferred.
- Experience in health or health care related field and experience or knowledge working in a funding agency/organization is desirable.