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ASSIST RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Job Title: ASSIST RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Job Code: 1615
FLSA: E
Job Level: 73
Revised Date: 03/01/2022
Job Family: JF 05
Occupational Summary
This position is responsible for developing major components of research and policy analysis for Duke-Margolis through management of a portfolio of health policy projects within a specialized area of expertise. The Assistant Research Director provides substantial subject matter leadership in managing the execution of complex research and policy projects within the portfolio, including engagement with high-level government and private-sector entities.
This position actively drives portfolio development and regularly interacts with project funders, collaborators, stakeholders, Duke University faculty, and senior Duke-Margolis leadership to develop the strategic plan for the portfolio, manage successful execution of research and policy projects, and advance efforts to identify and secure research funding.
Work Performed
Lead a content-specific portfolio of research and policy projects at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy. Plan and manage the execution the portfolio with responsibility for project timelines, budgets, financial management, and contractual obligations; develop and monitor staffing plans to ensure successful project completion.
Provide substantial subject matter expertise in specialized areas of health policy to advance research goals. Areas of relevance in the health policy domain may include but are not limited to: biomedical innovation, medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, healthcare delivery and payment reform, health equity, global health, health systems transformation, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.
Contribute substantial expertise and skill in planning research, designing and conducting qualitative and/or quantitative analyses, and writing for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Provide guidance to research teams' work in research, outlining, drafting, and editing of project materials. Ensure quality, accuracy, and clarity of project deliverables.
Interact with internal and external collaborators including government agencies, research and/or policy organizations, and health systems to gather and disseminate information and to build and expand working relationships.
Collaborate with senior researchers, faculty, and external collaborators to write white papers, peer-reviewed publications, policy memos, and other related research and policy deliverables.
Represent Duke-Margolis at events and conferences to disseminate research findings; begin to develop recognition as an expert in the portfolio focus area and as a spokesperson for the Center.
Monitor content areas of significance to the research portfolio, remaining up-to-date on current developments and identifying areas of potential collaboration or synergy within the Center and with external partners.
Develop strategic plans for project-related convening events (e.g., expert roundtables, workshops, conference panels, seminars, large-scale public events), including identification of proposed speakers or panelists, content, work plans, and meetings. Oversee implementation and execution.
Track and manage progress to achieve project milestones, deliverables, and timeline goals through collaboration with colleagues, subcontractors/vendors, and external stakeholders. Coordinate internal and external communication as needed for team projects.
Interact with sponsors to advance project deliverables, ensure productive communication and clarity in expectations, and maintain positive relationships.
Work with Center senior researchers, executive leadership, project principal investigators, and financial staff to monitor budgets; ensure project staffing and activities are within budget projections and scope, adhere to Duke University policies, and meet contractual obligations. Forecast resource allocation and needs. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
Collaborate with Center executive leadership, faculty, and other senior researchers to develop and implement work plans, deliverable content, research agendas, and timelines. Lead execution of work by project teams.
Work collaboratively with Center and external partner events and communication teams to direct communication strategies, event management and planning, and dissemination activities.
Collaborate with Duke-Margolis leadership to identify and select priority research areas and projects as part of the strategic planning of the Center.
Recognize and capitalize on project and funding opportunities to build the portfolio; collaborate with Research Directors and the Center executive team on funder relationship management and business development support.
Liaise with external funders, collaborators, and Duke-Margolis leadership to develop project proposals. Provide project leadership to oversee efforts to identify financial support and prepare grant proposals for the successful development, planning and execution of these projects.
Formulate and organize opportunities for faculty to collaborate on specific research projects.
May contribute to Duke-Margolis educational programs in varied ways, including developing course materials, teaching or guest lecturing, and mentoring interns or Duke students at the graduate or undergraduate levels.
Support and mentor project team members. Guide junior staff in developing an understanding of timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables, and in developing skills and knowledge in area(s) of health policy expertise.
May recruit, manage, and directly supervise staff, including management of personnel functions (hiring, professional development, performance appraisals, promotions).
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Typically requires a Master's or higher advanced degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position).
Experience
With Master's, work requires a minimum of six years of progressive experience in policy/research/data analysis at the international, federal, regional, and/or state level.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
