Program Officer 2, Evidence Synthesis, Emerging Interventions

PCORI•Washington, DC

3d•$145,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Officer works within PCORI’s Evidence Synthesis and Assessment team, supporting the New Technology Assessment program. The team produces systematic and transparent syntheses and assessments of health studies to improve access to rigorous, relevant, and current evidence for healthcare decision-making. The Program Officer independently manages and oversees assigned projects across the program’s portfolios, including scoping and other evidence synthesis reviews and the Health Care Horizon Scanning System. Working closely with the Associate Director, the position helps shape the program agenda, manage contracts, select contractors, and evaluate program activities in support of PCORI’s strategic priorities. The role develops statements of work, coordinates across PCORI teams, and oversees contractors to ensure work meets PCORI’s requirements and is completed on time with high quality. It also leads activities to identify topics for new reviews and evidence synthesis products, including stakeholder engagement—particularly with patients and payers—literature scanning and review, and topic assessment. The position requires knowledge of clinical research design and health technology assessment or evidence synthesis, as well as contract management, attention to detail, initiative, sound decision-making, flexibility, and strong relationship-building skills. Experience with health technology assessment products and methods is required; experience in other types of evidence synthesis is preferred. The Program Officer may represent PCORI publicly on program direction, funding, proposal processes, and award results; participate in professional development and internal initiatives; and perform other duties as assigned. The position may require travel, including site visits and external meetings.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including strong oral presentation skills.
Experience with health technology assessment, horizon scanning, systematic review, and other evidence synthesis, such as scoping reviews and rapid evidence products.
Understanding of clinical care and healthcare systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize time effectively, work with ambiguity, and work effectively with PCORI staff.
Ability to synthesize material, quickly identify the essence of an issue and major opportunities, and see the big picture.
Strong project and people management skills.
Motivation to support PCORI’s mission and goals; ability to work independently and collaboratively, think imaginatively, respond to innovative approaches, and inspire others toward team goals.
Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others.
Sound judgment and maturity, with consistent professionalism when dealing with people at all levels.
Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and communicate responsively and clearly with external contractors.
Ability to travel as required, including for site visits and external meetings.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Endnote.
Doctoral degree and at least 2 years of experience in a research discipline relevant to patient-centered outcomes research; or a relevant master’s degree (such as MPH, MPA, MPP, or MBA) and at least 5 years of experience; or a clinical degree such as medicine, nursing, or pharmacy.
Proven experience in health technology assessment.
Demonstrated progressive experience working with patients and payers.
Record of published work in evidence synthesis or health technology assessment.
Experience with contract management.
Work experience in a healthcare-related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in evidence synthesis beyond health technology assessment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Associate Director and unit, division, and department leadership in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for the New Technology Assessment Program.
Manage projects across the Evidence Synthesis and Assessment portfolio, including scoping reviews, systematic reviews, rapid products, and the annual Health Care Horizon Scanning System report.
Manage vendors and contractors by developing requests for proposals, reviewing contract applications, monitoring milestones and project progress, and reviewing work for quality and accuracy.
Work with PCORI staff and the research community to identify priority topics where literature evaluation can improve understanding of emerging healthcare interventions or identify knowledge gaps and inform funding initiatives.
Use systematic and transparent approaches to gather background information and data sources for topic selection.
Lead or manage program activities that advance team and PCORI priorities, including engagement with patient and payer organizations, assessment of topic suggestions, stakeholder webinars, and standardization of program procedures.
Collaborate with staff across PCORI to implement program activities.
Represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, funding, proposal processes, and award results.
Participate in conferences, seminars, and professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional standing.
Lead, contribute to, and participate in internal groups, teams, and cross-cutting initiatives; perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.
Keep unit and division leadership informed about developments in the field that may affect program decisions, strategies, or award decisions.