Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Envision Research Institute

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Scientist and Executive Director (ED) of the Envision Research Institute (ERI) is responsible for directing all activities required to conduct and monitor multiple research projects, lead and mentor scientists and fellows, and ensure alignment with Evnsion’s mission and strategic vision. The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI helps formulate effective strategic goals and objectives and ensures implementation and operational integration of those goals and objectives as directed by the VP of FMS Operations. The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI is responsible for financial viability of the department. The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI works with the Research Program Manager to ensure equipment maintenance, policy and procedure updates, ethics training and IRB oversight of scientific staff.

The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI also maintains their own independent research and publishes in peer reviewed scientific journals.

In addition, the Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI ensures ERI employees, fellows, and research assistants maintain compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the Envision Research Institute department and infrastructure while ensuring that the plan and strategy of the research department are consistent with the Mission of Envision.
• Advance Envision’s research arm engaging in quantitative, translational and applied low vision and blindness research that addresses the overall mission of Envision and research priority areas of Envision.
• Conduct measurable, scientifically valid research that addresses practical issues in helping to close practice gaps in the clinical treatment and rehabilitation of persons who have low vision or blindness.
• Create and chair Envision Research Advisory Panel with members from Envision and other collaborating institutions to peer review preliminary research proposals for conceptual compatibility with Envision’s research priority areas, scientific merit, adherence to human subject guidelines and Envision budget guidelines.
• Lead efforts to develop and stimulate participation in clinical research activities that encourage collaborations between Envision and the public and private sectors.
• Plan, direct and evaluate the operations of the research department, as well as infrastructure support as they relate to the research department, assuring the accomplishment of Envision’s mission, strategic goals and institutional objectives.
• Manage and secure Institutional Review Board review for research projects approved by the Envision Research Advisory Panel.
• Establish and oversee grants administration pre- and post-award function, within Envision’s organizational grant framework, to obtain and manage research funding.
• Seek outside research funding from both government (National Institute of Health, National Scientific Foundation, Department of Education, etc) and non-government sources and develop collaborative research with other institutions.
• Maintain a high degree of awareness of the current state of low vision and blindness rehabilitation research and advancements as it relates to Envision by attending relevant symposia, scientific meetings and workshops, and reviewing key journals.
• Provide leadership in the utilization and implementation of continuous process improvement strategies, with the key objectives of creating change that positively affects cost, efficiency, compliance, and quality.
• Track research key performance indicators (publications, fellows trained, conference presentations, etc.)
• Ensure adequate and useful resources, technology, equipment, and support are in place to support the work of research team members who are low vision or blind.

Financial and Strategic Management:

• Assists the VP to develop and implement the annual strategic plan and objectives for the research instutute.
• Monitor and manage the annual operational budget and financial affairs of the research department, emphasizing cost containment without compromising quality of care
• Oversee software implementation, updates and training, ensuring efficient implementation across locations.
• Oversee, with support of the Research Program Manager, institute resource procurement and maintenance, including equipment, software, library resources and vendor management.

Leadership and Staff Development:

• Foster a culture of excellence through continuous improvement, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
• Oversee recruitment, development, and performance evaluation of employees.
• Work with multi-divisional functions (e.g., finance, IT, human resources, marketing, compliance) to ensure acquisition and training of qualified staff, development and activation of effective policies and procedures
• Promote research integrity and responsibility while ensuring that all Envision staff participate in research endeavors adhere to regulations, policies, procedures and strict standards of ethical conduct.
• Ensure continuing education and professional development of Envision’s research staff.
• Personify and promote Envision’s core values of integrity, curiosity, passion, initiative, teamwork, and excellence.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and proactively problem-solving with a focus on solutions-oriented outcomes.

Partnership Development and Communication:

• Participate in community outreach activities to promote science and low vision and blindness education.
• Present the process, goals, and results of Envision’s research at key research venues including meetings, conferences and through publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Provide leadership in internal and external communications to ensure the organization’s mission and services are well understood.
• Maintain open lines of communication to executive and peer leaders on issues concerning assigned areas of authority and current trends in the field.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the organization’s value by upholding the highest standards of privacy.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to develop partnerships, funding, and resources while advising on Envision research projects, development and areas of scientific interest to Envision.

Research:

• Participate in research projects as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator when appropriate.
• Complete ethics training to perform research on human subjects
• Develop a rigorous scientific research methodology and obtain ethical approval for the study.
• Conduct research projects independently in the field of low vision and blindness.
• Develop research protocols, recruit suitable research participants, collect data, and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Perform data analysis using appropriate statistical tests as outlined in the protocol.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences attended by other vision scientists for peer review.
• Publish scientific manuscripts in high-impact, peer-reviewed vision science journals.
• Contribute to the advancement of science through innovative research projects that aim to improve the quality of life for individuals who are low vision or blind.

Other Duties:

• Assist with special projects as needed.
• Flexibility to perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of scheduled time.

Qualifications:

JOB REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE (List as required or preferred)

Education: PhD in psychology, biology, neuroscience, vision science, engineering, human factors or other field relevant to the study of blindness and visual impairment, or OD or MD required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-10 years in the research field with significant research management experience, including considerable familiarity with research business practices, strategic planning, financial planning, and business development.
• Minimum 3-5 years in the low vision and blind research specialty.
• Minimum of 7 years of successful, demonstrated experience raising significant funds in the non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated research independence.
• Published scientific manuscripts over at least the last 5 years.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience presenting research findings at conferences and to peers.
• Experience in creating and implementing efficient processes required.
• Experience in documenting procedures and policies required.
• Experience with training adult learners preferred.
• Experience with driving culture change and/or fostering healthy work environments preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• A thorough understanding of research methodology, including study design, protocol writing, clinical research form preparation, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice regulatory requirements.
• Scientific networking skills as well as extensive knowledge of federal and state policies governing research.
• Strong ability to write and review manuscripts for peer reviewed publication in scientific journals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a diverse staff, while possessing a commitment to quality, integrity and engaging interpersonal and public communication skills.
• Must possess a high level of competency in statistical data analysis (statistical process control, analysis of process and product stability and capability) and ability to proficiently utilize statistical analysis software (SPSS).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as presentation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and resourceful with strong service orientation.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a senior leadership team characterized by trust, open communication, collaboration, and shared goals.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and proactively problem-solving with a focus on solutions-oriented outcomes.
• Knowledge of change management preferred.
• Knowledge in continuous process improvement methodology preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand contracts and other legal documents.

Licenses/Certifications: NA

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Total Number of Employees Directly Supervising: 2-4_

Number of Subordinate Supervisors Reporting to Position: 0_

VISION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE (check one)

Can be performed with or without assistive technology:

X Required to perform activities such as: preparing/analyzing data/figures; viewing computer screen; reading; inspecting small objects for defects; using measuring devices; and/or assembling parts with close eye contact.

___ Required to perform activities such as: operating machinery and/or power tools at or within arm’s reach; performing non-repetitive tasks such as carpentry work or repairing machinery.

X Required to review/inspect own assigned work, the work of others, or facilities or structures.

Requires normal (or corrected to normal) vision/acuity:

___ Required to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment such as forklifts.

COMMENTS

Envision, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Envision, Inc. employs and advances in employment individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and does not discriminate on the basis of disability or veteran status in its hiring or employment practices.

Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.