Program Officer 2, Evidence Synthesis

PCORI•Washington, DC

3d•$145,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Officer is an integral member of PCORI’s Evidence Synthesis and Assessment (ESA) team, which supports systematic and transparent synthesis of health studies to increase access to rigorous, relevant, high-quality, and up-to-date research evidence for healthcare decision-making. The team develops products for patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, payers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The Program Officer manages and monitors a portfolio of evidence synthesis and related products, including systematic reviews, rapid reviews, rapid responses, evidence maps, and visualizations. The role contributes intellectual and organizational input to the ESA agenda, works with research partners to identify and develop topics, manages contracts, and evaluates program activities in support of PCORI’s strategic direction and National Priorities. The Program Officer develops contract statements of work and requests for proposals, collaborates with PCORI teams and Procurement to select contractors, and oversees contractor work to ensure it meets PCORI’s needs and requirements and is completed on time with appropriate quality. The position requires a strong understanding of clinical research study design and evidence synthesis, along with contract management, attention to detail, initiative, creativity, flexibility, and relationship-building skills. The Program Officer also represents PCORI publicly, participates in professional and internal activities, and keeps program leadership informed about developments that may affect program strategy or award decisions. Other duties and special assignments may be assigned.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with evidence synthesis, such as systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and scoping reviews.
Understanding of clinical care and healthcare systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize time effectively, tolerate ambiguity, and work effectively with PCORI staff.
Ability to synthesize material, identify the essence of an issue and major opportunities, and see the big picture.
Strong oral presentation skills.
Strong project and people management skills.
Motivation to support PCORI’s mission and goals; ability to work independently and in teams, think imaginatively, respond to innovative approaches, and inspire others toward team goals.
Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the ability to build productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and other contributors.
Sound judgment and maturity, with consistent professionalism when dealing with people at all levels internally and externally.
Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and communicate clearly and responsively with external contractors.
Ability to travel as required, including for site visits and representing PCORI at external meetings.
Proficiency with technology including 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 track record and leadership potential in clinical research.
Proven experience in evidence synthesis.
Record of published work in evidence synthesis.
Experience with contracts management.

Nice To Haves

Progressive experience working with researchers and end-users of research is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist unit, division, and department leadership in identifying and implementing strategic objectives for the Program.
Manage a portfolio of evidence synthesis products, including systematic reviews, rapid reviews, rapid responses, evidence maps, and visualizations, and lead in an area of innovation in evidence synthesis.
Work with stakeholders and PCORI staff to identify priority topics that could improve healthcare decision-making and patient outcomes or identify knowledge gaps and inform future PCORI clinical research.
Use systematic and transparent approaches to gather, synthesize, and analyze literature and other data sources to support topic selection for new evidence synthesis.
Oversee contractors developing evidence synthesis products on healthcare interventions, including developing requests for proposals, reviewing contract applications, monitoring milestones and project progress, and reviewing work for accuracy.
Identify and manage program activities that advance ESA and PCORI’s National Priorities, including developing new products and promoting standardized and efficient procedures.
Collaborate with ESA staff and colleagues across PCORI, including research funding, engagement, and procurement staff, to implement program activities.
Represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction, funding, proposal processes, and award results.
Participate in conferences, seminars, and other professional development activities to maintain and enhance expertise and professional standing.
Lead, contribute to, and participate in internal groups, teams, and cross-cutting initiatives; carry out other responsibilities assigned by PCORI management.
Keep the Program Director and team informed about developments in the field that may affect program decisions, strategies, or award decisions.
Perform other duties and special assignments as required.