The Director of Research and Science has the overall responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing research and scientific initiatives in order to achieve the Client’s mission of being the world leader in advancing consumer-based assessment technologies for improving health care.  The Director of Research and Science reports directly to the CEO; will work with the CEO and CSO to develop research and science agenda; and will share responsibility for achieving the strategic goals of the company. 

Responsibilities include the planning and execution of world-class scientific research underlying corporate products and services; recruitment, training, and management of the scientific staff; administrative responsibility (from application to completion) for all federal grants as well as internally-funded research projects; and ensuring that the overall strategy for research is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.  This person is responsible for communications and coordination of research and scientific projects with IT, Marketing and other departments and other internal consulting and product development teams and is responsible for developing and maintaining productive relationships with external collaborators, including individuals and both academic and corporate institutions.  In addition, this person develops and manages the Research and Science Department budget; participates as a member of the Operations Team, and works closely with the COO and the CSO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning

• Develops and executes scientific initiatives, both short and long range, to foster serious and appropriate research and scientific endeavors

• Drives a comprehensive research pipeline

• Understands the scientific foundation underlying QM’s products and services, and works to enhance and leverage that foundation

• Manages and builds a strong science and research team, developing staff skills through modeling, training, and/or mentoring

• Evaluates capacity, plans for expansion, and drives the recruitment process for the department in accordance with QM’s strategic plan

• Manages the science team by allocating staff to cross-company projects; monitoring progress, and making adjustments to meet changing business needs

• Monitors all scientific efforts; ensures timely quality project deliverables within budget; implements corrective actions when necessary; and communicates progress to the Operations Team

• Seeks and secures sources of external funding for science and product development efforts; directs grant proposal development; approves final content and budget; serves as company contact regarding all ongoing and potential grants

• Ensures QM’s scientific are documented in peer-review literature, manuals, and other publications

• Develops and manages the annual operating departmental budget

• Responsible for full policy compliance in relation to externally funded grants and contracts

• Contracts wth, directs, and manages work of outside consultants when necessary

Communication

• Explains and promotes the company’s scientific agenda to the rest of the company

• Manages the coordination of research projects with academic collaborators

• Interacts effectively and collegially with all members of senior management, fostering a supportive and cross-departmental sharing environment at QM

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Director of Research and Science is responsible for managing all science, research, and grant staff, either through direct or indirect supervisory relationships.  The Director provides the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these areas.  The Director carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; managing performance through rewards and corrective action; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CAPABILITIES

• PhD or equivalent in a scientific discipline highly desirable

• Minimum of 8 years experience leading highly-skilled research staff

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets for research and grants administration

• Experience with major health care institutions such as academic medical centers, pharmaceutical industry, health plans and managed care organizations, hospitals and health systems, large physician practices, disease management companies, CROs, vendors of health care information technology, and related government agencies is preferred

• Knowledge of health/medical research, health care and pharmaceutical industries in general, including professional organizations and affiliations, industry trends and practices, and key players in the landscape, is highly preferred

• Proven track record of accomplishment, collaborative in style

• Strong leadership skills commanding confidence and trust

• Strong work ethic, ability to work independently

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated organizational and team management skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment

• Proven track record in meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities, including exceptional follow-through