Associate Director, Scientific Strategy & Delivery

Description

The Associate Director, Scientific Strategy & Delivery leads patient powered strategies for clients, clinical trial programs and studies. The Insights & Evidence Generation Team’s approach for optimizing clinical trials combine the use of systematic scientific and methodological end-to-end engagement with patient research partners with comprehensive tailored application of patient insights research and patient-centered research and modelling methods to optimize impact and return on investment for all stakeholders.  This role will oversee all stages of projects from patient engagement planning, delivery and translation into patient-centric science and operational trial strategies, study delivery and results dissemination.  The Associate Director, Scientific Strategy & Delivery provides direction around study design, theories, frameworks, and methodology (including experience with analyses and reporting that are guided by and/or organized around theories/frameworks or require triangulation of data from multiple sources) and have demonstrated capabilities in program evaluation and mixed method studies. The Associate Director, Scientific Strategy & Delivery will take scientific and operational responsibility for project completion as well as responsibility for strategic consultation and recommendations for use of best methods to address research needs in the fields of patient insights, patient-centered research and advanced research methodologies.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direction and knowledge of advanced research methods with application to innovations to improve point of care and patient health outcomes
• Focused on methods to optimize data collection and use of patient, staff and clinician feedback to improve health [e.g., strategies for addressing patient/organization/system-level challenges to collecting data or feedback and/or use of informatics to support interventions and processes 
• Focused on patient engagement methods to inform and improve treatment planning including joint decision making
• Applies in-depth knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods scientific methodologies including design of data collection instruments and data analysis, using implementation science theory, where appropriate, to serve as the key component in driving improvements in care. 
• Knowledge of information systems methods of patient-reported outcome implementation, adoption and integration to improve healthcare
• Presents scientific work in peer-reviewed journals and at professional meetings 
• Provides scientific leadership to team members
• Provides training in specific research and implementation science topic areas (e.g., frameworks/theories, methods, analyses, reporting, etc.)
• Advises and implements best methods and scientific innovation in project plans and design
• Knowledge of healthcare policy and guidelines
• Scientific contributions may include:
  • Development and delivery of scientific studies and results directly to client
  • Overseeing project teams to optimize study design and implementation when scientist has specific areas of expertise
  • Non-project related publications, presentations, workshops, advisory boards, participation in FDA meetings, etc.
  • Engagement in external workgroups, interest groups or special interest groups, etc. 
• Develops and maintains client relationships.
• Understands pharmaceutical industry/FDA/EMA structure
• Identifies scientific methods/plans that help clients meet their goals as well as those that will not help clients meet their goals
• Provides scientifically rigorous deliverables that best help clients meet their objectives
• Helps clients prepare for regulatory meetings and attend regulatory meetings with clients as requested 
• Actively supports new product development and scientific innovation
• Supports SVP, General Manager for Learning Solutions with strategic goals and planning
• Supports Director, Scientific Strategy & Operations in day-to-day management of Insights & Evidence Generation Team 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (please indicate if ‘preferred’)

• Doctorate in a life sciences or social sciences discipline with a strong emphasis on mixed methods research (psychology, epidemiology, health services, public health, etc.) and more than 3 years’ experience in relevant field; Previous consulting experience is preferred
• Master’s degree in a life sciences or social sciences discipline with a strong emphasis on mixed methods (psychology, epidemiology, health services, public health, etc.) and more than 8-10 years’ experience in relevant field; Previous consulting experience is preferred
• Demonstrated experience in independently applying patient insights research, patient-centricity models, patient engagement methods, guidelines and best practice principles and tailoring these to meet the specific needs of clinical trial programs and studies.
• Understanding of Implementation Science research principles and familiarity with key aspects of the literature (historical and current)
• Advanced level understanding of relevant methodology and statistics and/or advanced level understanding of qualitative analysis procedures and techniques
• Advanced understanding of appropriate (established and novel) research methodologies across the drug and product development life cycle
• Extensive knowledge of practical research implementation
• Excellent communication skills including professional presentations

• Ability to critically review literature and contribute successfully to peer-reviewed literature
• Must be a collaborator with the ability to work with and through others. 
• Strong ability to manage time and work independently.
• Strong interpersonal communication, collaboration and partnering skills, both written and spoken, with an ability to inform, influence, convince, and persuade.
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice/ICH guidelines, regulatory requirements, drug development process. 
• Working knowledge of systems and processes within the CRO industry.
• Ability to work in a global environment and lead virtually. 
• Ability to embrace recent technologies.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Experience building professional working relationships at all levels within the organization to achieve cross-functional process related changes.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $122,000 to $140,000. The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high of the Syneos Health range for this position. Actual salary will vary based on various factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. In addition, some positions may include eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and / or individual performance.

At Syneos Health, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. At times, we will consider transferable skills from previous roles. We also encourage you to join our Talent Network to stay connected to additional career opportunities.

Why Syneos Health? We partner with industry experts to solve and execute against today’s toughest commercialization challenges facing the world’s leading healthcare companies. The diversification and breadth of our new and existing partnerships create a multitude of career paths and employment opportunities on our Commercial Operations and Leadership teams. Join our game-changing, global company dedicated to creating better, smarter, faster ways to get biopharmaceutical therapies to patients. Experience the thrill of knowing that your everyday efforts are contributing to improving patients’ lives around the world. 

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Syneos Health companies are affirmative action/equal opportunity employers (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)

Syneos Health has a voluntary COVID-19 vaccination policy. We strongly encourage all employees to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, certain local governments or Syneos Health customers may have vaccine requirements that apply to some of our employees. These employees are required to submit proof of vaccination to Syneos Health and maintain compliance with these requirements. At Syneos Health, we believe in providing an environment and culture in which Our People can thrive, develop and advance. We reward and recognize our people by providing valuable benefits and a quality-of-life balance. The benefits for this position will include a competitive compensation package, Health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, Company match 401k, flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time. Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.