Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Envision Research Institute

Envision•Wichita, KS

21d

About The Position

The Senior Scientist and Executive Director of the Envision Research Institute (ERI) directs research projects and department operations, leads and mentors scientists and fellows, and ensures the institute’s work aligns with Envision’s mission and strategic vision. The role helps formulate strategic goals and objectives and integrates them into operations as directed by the VP of FMS Operations. The position is responsible for the department’s financial viability and, with the Research Program Manager, oversees equipment maintenance, policy and procedure updates, ethics training, and IRB oversight. The Executive Director also maintains an independent research program, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and ensures employees, fellows, and research assistants comply with applicable standards and regulations. The role advances quantitative, translational, and applied research in low vision and blindness, with a focus on practical clinical treatment and rehabilitation issues. It oversees department infrastructure, research operations, grants administration, IRB review, research funding, collaborations, and continuous process improvement. The Executive Director manages the annual operating budget and resources, supports software implementation and training, and oversees recruitment, staff development, performance evaluation, and professional education. The position develops partnerships and communicates Envision’s research through outreach, presentations, conferences, and publications. It may serve as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator, developing research methods and protocols, obtaining ethical approval, recruiting participants, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing findings. Travel may be required for up to 25% of scheduled time. The position directly supervises 2–4 employees and has no subordinate supervisors.

Requirements

PhD in psychology, biology, neuroscience, vision science, engineering, human factors, or another field relevant to blindness and visual impairment, or an OD or MD.
5–10 years of research experience with significant research management experience, including familiarity with research business practices, strategic planning, financial planning, and business development.
3–5 years of experience in low vision and blindness research.
At least 7 years of demonstrated success raising significant funds in the nonprofit sector.
Demonstrated research independence.
Scientific manuscripts published over at least the last 5 years.
5–10 years of experience presenting research findings at conferences and to peers.
Experience creating and implementing efficient processes.
Experience documenting procedures and policies.
Thorough understanding of research methodology, including study design, protocol writing, clinical research form preparation, and Good Clinical Practice regulatory requirements.
Scientific networking skills and extensive knowledge of federal and state policies governing research.
Strong ability to write and review manuscripts for peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Ability to develop and manage a diverse staff, with commitment to quality and integrity and strong interpersonal and public communication skills.
High competency in statistical data analysis, including statistical process control and analysis of process and product stability and capability; ability to proficiently use SPSS.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and resourceful, with a strong service orientation.
Ability to work effectively on a senior leadership team characterized by trust, open communication, collaboration, and shared goals.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and proactively solve problems in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to read, interpret, and understand contracts and other legal documents.

Nice To Haves

Experience training adult learners.
Experience driving culture change and/or fostering healthy work environments.
Knowledge of change management.
Knowledge of continuous process improvement methodology.

Responsibilities

Oversee ERI operations, infrastructure, and research strategy to ensure alignment with Envision’s mission and objectives.
Advance quantitative, translational, and applied research addressing low vision and blindness, including practical clinical treatment and rehabilitation issues.
Create and chair the Envision Research Advisory Panel to peer review preliminary proposals for research priorities, scientific merit, human-subject guidelines, and budget guidelines.
Develop and stimulate clinical research collaborations between Envision and public- and private-sector organizations.
Plan, direct, and evaluate research department operations and supporting infrastructure.
Manage and secure Institutional Review Board review for projects approved by the Envision Research Advisory Panel.
Establish and oversee pre- and post-award grants administration and seek government and non-government research funding and institutional collaborations.
Stay current on low vision and blindness rehabilitation research by attending relevant symposia, meetings, and workshops and reviewing journals.
Lead continuous process improvement focused on cost, efficiency, compliance, and quality; track research performance indicators.
Ensure adequate resources, technology, equipment, and support for research team members who are low vision or blind.
Assist the VP in developing and implementing the institute’s annual strategic plan and objectives.
Monitor and manage the research department’s annual operating budget and financial affairs, emphasizing cost containment without compromising quality of care.
Oversee software implementation, updates, and training across locations.
Oversee procurement and maintenance of institute resources, including equipment, software, library resources, and vendor management.
Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
Oversee employee recruitment, development, and performance evaluation, working with other divisions on staffing, training, policies, and procedures.
Promote research integrity and ensure staff participating in research follow applicable regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Ensure continuing education and professional development for research staff and promote Envision’s core values.
Participate in community outreach to promote science and low vision and blindness education.
Present Envision research processes, goals, and results at research venues, conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
Lead internal and external communications about the organization’s mission and services, maintain communication with executive and peer leaders, and protect confidential information.
Collaborate across departments to develop partnerships, funding, and resources and advise on Envision research projects and scientific interests.
Participate in research as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator when appropriate.
Complete ethics training for human-subject research; develop research methods and protocols and obtain ethical approval.
Conduct independent low vision and blindness research, recruit participants, collect data, complete projects, and analyze data using appropriate statistical tests.
Present findings at national and international conferences and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed vision science journals.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
Travel up to 25% of scheduled time.