System Nurse Scientist

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The System Nurse Scientist provides strategic scientific leadership and mentorship for the nursing research program. The role supports rigorous nurse-led research and evidence-based practice initiatives, fosters a culture of inquiry, and aligns nursing research with institutional priorities and ANCC nursing excellence standards. Reporting directly to the Director of Nursing Professional Practice, the position collaborates with nurse leaders, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to build research capacity, uphold research integrity, and promote scholarly excellence across the system. The position leads and supports research program development, investigator mentorship, study design and execution, regulatory and IRB processes, research education, dissemination of findings, and nursing research activities related to Magnet designation. It also collaborates with academic, IRB, compliance, data, and clinical partners; supports evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives; and tracks and communicates program outcomes and impact. The role is primarily office-based, with occasional time on clinical units. Attendance at evening or weekend meetings or conferences may be required.

Requirements

Registered Nurse (RN) with current licensure in the State of Michigan.
PhD required; if the PhD is not in Nursing, a graduate degree in Nursing is required.
At least 2 years of clinical nursing experience and demonstrated experience conducting nursing or healthcare research.
Experience mentoring nurse investigators and building research capacity.
Proficiency in research design and methodologies, IRB processes, data collection, statistical analysis, research ethics, scholarly dissemination, and quality improvement tools.
Evidence of scholarly dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, or professional presentations.
Exceptional communication, leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Strong scientific, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.
Strong organizational and project-management skills.
Ability to influence, lead change, and foster collaboration across departments.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and research data management software.
Commitment to nursing excellence and lifelong learning.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in nursing leadership.
Knowledge of Magnet Recognition Program standards and components.
Research certification, such as CCRA, CCRC, CCRP, or ACRP-CP.
Evidence-based practice or quality improvement training.
Familiarity with electronic health records and data analytics tools.
Experience serving as a principal investigator or co-investigator and contributing to grant proposals or funded research.
Experience contributing to or developing nursing research infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Set nursing research priorities in partnership with nursing leadership and drive system initiatives to build, strengthen, and maintain nursing research infrastructure.
Provide scientific consultation and leadership for the design and execution of nursing research studies, distinguish research from quality improvement and evidence-based practice, and support integration into clinical care.
Guide investigators in developing rigorous research protocols, IRB submissions, and regulatory documentation.
Guide research activities, including study design, recruitment plans, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
Mentor nurses and nurse leaders in disseminating research findings through presentations, posters, and publications.
Participate in or lead the Nursing Research Council and other applicable professional governance councils, align research priorities with organizational strategy, and identify opportunities for nurse-led inquiry.
Provide scientific oversight of study progress, methodological rigor, data integrity, research ethics, and protocol compliance.
Mentor nurses and nurse leaders in evidence-based practice research skills, from clinical inquiry and research question development through methodology, proposals, IRB submission, study implementation, data interpretation, and dissemination.
Support journal clubs, research workshops, investigator development, and bedside inquiry initiatives.
Develop and deliver educational programs on nursing research, evidence-based practice, clinical inquiry, and Magnet research standards.
Promote nurse-led research and scholarly dissemination.
Facilitate nursing research activities that support nursing excellence and Magnet designation efforts.
Serve as a liaison between nursing leadership, staff, and the Magnet Program Director.
Assist with preparing, writing, and submitting Magnet documentation, including empirical outcomes and research reports.
Monitor trends and best practices in nursing research and Magnet standards to support organizational compliance and excellence.
Ensure adherence to Magnet standards and institutional, federal, regulatory, and ethical requirements governing nursing research and human-subject protections.
Maintain documentation for ongoing and completed studies.
Collaborate with nursing leaders, professional governance councils, and interdisciplinary teams to identify, develop, and carry out nurse-led research and evidence-based practice.
Participate in strategic planning and operational initiatives related to nursing research.
Collaborate with clinical teams to design and implement evidence-based practice projects and quality improvement initiatives.
Coordinate communication strategies and events that promote a culture of research and nursing inquiry.
Track and communicate nursing research program progress, outcomes, scholarly productivity, and impact to stakeholders.
Collaborate with academic, IRB, compliance, and data partners to advance nursing research.