Director of Research

Overview

Director of Research
The Director of Research works under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer. This leadership position is responsible for multiple strategic aspects of the research department through the development and implementation of research policies, procedures, and projects, and through actively contributing to and building scientific expertise. This position provides support to Principal Investigators (including the Chief Medical Officer), may serve as Principal Investigator (if skills and experience are commensurate), and leads publication and presentation development and submission. The Director of Research manages Clinical Research staff.

Essential Functions:
Research Science
1. Collaborate with key internal, academic, community, and industry partners to design and implement meaningful research projects that will influence programming, services, access, policies, practices and relevant industries such as family planning and reproductive health
2. Identify research questions and appropriate methodologies and conceptual frameworks; design, create and revise research procedures, instruments and project tools, including data collection, management, and analysis to ensure quality data that satisfies research objectives
3. Maintain and grow an active knowledge base of family planning and reproductive health science and incorporate new knowledge into Research Department opportunities
4. Disseminate and translate research findings through presentations at national and international conferences, scientific publications, project reports and newsletters
5. Represent organizational research interests at institutional workshops and meetings and develop and liaise both internal and external collaborative relationships
6. Identify new and ongoing sources of funding for research projects
Management
7. Plan and lead Research Department strategy in alignment with the organizational strategic plan
8. Participate in the hiring, training, supervision, and coaching of Research Assistants, Research Coordinators, Research RHAs, and Interns
9. Coordinate and manage the preparation process for major project proposals, working closely with Principal/Co-Investigators and senior leadership to ensure organizational leadership support for projects
10. Oversee the operations of the department in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer, other internal teams, and external partners or sponsors. Operations management requires monitoring project budgets and protocols, proposing and managing the department’s annual budget, leading team appreciation and engagement initiatives, and staff development
Study Management and Reporting
11. Screen and assess requests for PPIL’s participation in various Clinical Research Studies to determine alignment with our mission and strategic plan, feasibility within current operations, and departmental research goals
12. Independently oversee and complete IRB, federal, and sponsor requirements including IRB application preparation, drafting and submitting status reports, drafting modification submissions, developing consent forms, and ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance
13. Design, document, and implement policies and procedures to assure protocol compliance, ensure research data quality, and meet Good Clinical Practice guidelines
14. Maintain operations, training, records, and data per the approved Standard Operating Procedures; Work with Investigators to develop a research plan, maintain budget, coordinate data collection, tracking, and data preparation for analysis
15. Schedule and facilitate research meetings and other learning opportunities for PPIL staff with summary narrative reports, presentations, graphs, tables, charts and illustrations
16. Assist with the planning and activation of the research site initiation, coordinate visits to support study protocols. Enroll, consent, and schedule subjects in collaboration with the research team.
17. Serve as a liaison for and maintain appropriate communication with study personnel, clinic staff, leadership and other administrative departments within the affiliate regarding applicable research study information (i.e. participant eligibility, participant concerns, study progress, and funding, etc.)

Other Responsibilities:
18. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures.
19. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers.
20. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: safety and security, confidentiality, quality assurance, compliance with current laws and regulations including HIPAA and mandated reporting, and training
21. Supports and participates in teamwork; Cooperates and works together with all co-workers
22. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations demonstrating compassion, empathy and dignity for all
23. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers and patients regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns
24. Promotes positive public image and relations of PPIL
25. Performs other work duties as assigned

Other Functions:
Travel to health centers hosting recruitment or other study activities for monitoring and evaluation, staff appreciation events, and/or as requested by sponsor, PI, or health center manager is required. PPIL offers mileage and other travel reimbursements where applicable.

Physical Demands:
The physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, read, see and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel and reach. The employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Supervisor: Chief Medical Officer
Status: Full-time, exempt from the overtime provisions of wage and salary regulations.

Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Public Health or related field required. PhD in Public Heath or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in reproductive health-related research, evaluation, and/or program development
• 1-3 years managerial experience in health-related research, evaluation, and/or program development
• Experience developing and implementing clinical research studies
• Experience preparing IRB applications, acting as the liaison during the approval process, and reporting progress and compliance to the IRB
• Scientific publication and presentation record in reproductive health and family planning
• Experience with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work
• Experience with research and healthcare technology and applications, including REDCap, electronic IRB submissions, clinical trial patient interactive response platforms; ability to quickly and efficiently adopt
new technology skills
• Experience managing multiple complex research projects

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Demonstrated quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
• Strong ability to work independently to prioritize tasks and manage time
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and creativity
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively and respond to rigid deadlines
• High attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively, both written and orally
• Experience with budget preparation and monitoring
• Effective cross-cultural skills

Planned Parenthood works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff based on factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, marital status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. We know that BIPOC and women identifying candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every requirement. Please do not be deterred if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting.