Director, Rehab Research SCI Division - TIRR

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Director of Rehabilitation Research will direct the ongoing clinical research programs at TIRR Memorial Hermann. The Director will establish the strategic plan for clinical research at TIRR to achieve objectives of national prominence, improved patient outcomes, improved employee morale, and financial viability. The Director will lead the activities of the TIRR Research Council and TIRR Research Committee. The Director will advise the TIRR CEO on matters related to research and assist with investigator and physician recruitment. The Director will work with Memorial Hermann Foundation staff to assist with fund raising to support the research programs at TIRR. The Director will maintain an active program of rehabilitation research, collaborate with other TIRR Memorial Hermann researchers, and build new collaborative research relationships.

The Director of Rehab Research for the Spinal Cord Injury Division provides strategic and scientific leadership for the division’s research program, overseeing a portfolio of spinal cord injury studies while maintaining an active research program of their own. This individual leads and mentors investigators and research staff, develops new research initiatives, secures external funding through federal grants and other sources, and collaborates with physicians, clinicians, academic partners, and national research organizations to advance rehabilitation science. Serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director helps shape the division’s research strategy, fosters innovation and collaboration, supports investigator development, and enhances TIRR’s national reputation through high-impact research, publications, and scientific partnerships.

Job Description

Desired Skill Set

• Strategic research leadership
• Federal grant development and funding strategy
• Scientific program and portfolio management
• Team leadership, mentorship, and investigator development
• Cross-functional collaboration and partnership building
• Clinical and translational research
• Research design, data analysis, and scientific publication
• Executive communication and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic planning and organizational development
• Budget and resource management

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Medical Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy

Licenses/Certifications: ( None)

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Strong or outstanding national reputation in medical rehabilitation research as indicated by a successful track record of obtaining federal funding for research and a substantial number of peer reviewed publications

• Seven (7) years previous administrative experience as a program director, department head, and/or principal investigator

• Knowledge of funding sources for rehabilitation research

• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships

Principal Accountabilities

• Leads the rehabilitation research enterprise at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

• Responsible for developing the short and long range vision and planning and implements the strategic plan for research at TIRR.

• Advises the TIRR CEO on matters related to research.

• Promoting and representing TIRR’s mission and interests with high profile public and private agencies, institutions, and professional organizations

• Maintains existing research collaborations and develops new collaborations.

• Supports research activities of TIRR investigators and TIRR clinical staff.

• Maintains an active program of rehabilitation research.

• Developing major research initiatives and funding sources to support rehabilitation research.

• Assists with fund raising to support research at TIRR.

• Undertakes additional assignments in research and/or clinical affairs at the discretion of the TIRR CEO.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, skills competency, supports department based goals which contribute to the success of the organization, serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.

• Works with senior leadership to develop and stimulate participation in activities that encourage interaction between TIRR, affiliated faculty and community partners.

• Demonstrates and instills a strong customer service orientation and commitment in the staff that are supportive of the investigators whose work supports the Center.

• Adheres to all MHHS and TIRR policies, procedures, and standards, within budgetary specifications, including time management, supply management, productivity, and accuracy of practice.

• Directs related projects as needed.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.