Practice Area Director, Data Sciences and Analytics

Social & Scientific Systems, a DLH Corporation company, serves federal government clients throughout the United States and abroad delivering technology enabled solutions in key health and human services programs. The Companys core competencies include secure data analytics and statistics, clinical trials and laboratory services, a full suite of public health research offerings, performance evaluation, system modernization, operational logistics and readiness, and strategic digital communications. DLH has over 2,000 employees serving numerous government agencies. DLH's portfolio consists of Defense & Veteran Health Solutions, Human Services Solutions and Public Health & Life Sciences.
The Practice Area Director position combines discipline-specific knowledge with leadership and business skills to promote the efficiency, profitability, and competitive position of a company. This position will work collaboratively with peer Practice Area Directors and DLH/SSS executive leadership to help set company research and scientific priorities so that they align with the overall mission and goals of the organization. The Practice Area Director will help keep the company competitive by staying updated on scientific and technological advances and industry trends in their area of specialty. This may include making recommendations on future investments, new research opportunities, or technological ventures.
Practice Area Directors also promote company research activities by supporting the recruitment of qualified researchers and bringing those researchers with specialized expertise and complementary skills together to collaborate, innovate and produce consistently superior results. The Practice Area Director will be held accountable for creating a culture of performance excellence through shared goals, shared leadership, collaboration, open communication, clear role expectations, early conflict resolution, and a strong sense of accountability and trust among its members.
SSS is growing and currently seeking a Practice Area Director with a national/international reputation in a relevant field of study to lead our robust multi-disciplinary team that conducts research on behalf of NIH and other federal clients. In this role, you will lead teams of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, statisticians, data managers and analysts, and study operations staff to solve complex data challenges that address a variety of critical public health and clinical research questions. The perfect candidate will be interested in pushing the boundaries of data science to make the biggest impact possible - to help our customers create a healthier world.
The Practice Area Director may also serve public relations functions by representing the scientific goals and interests of the company at press conferences, meetings, conventions, and shareholder events.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
Responsible for communicating with scientific and customer communities concerning capabilities and scientific product offerings of the DLH/SSS organization.
Actively participate in external science-based associations and organizations through publication of manuscripts, presentations, engagement as speakers and session chairs and through participation on planning committees, with the overarching goal to further awareness of DLH/SSS capabilities and core competencies.
Responsible for ensuring all projects under the Practice Area are delivered on schedule and on budget; overall responsibility for ensuring Practice Area contracts deliver planned-for revenue and maximize opportunity for organic on-contract growth.
Accountable for partnering with fellow Practice Area Directors, SSS President and BD staff to achieve annual revenue growth targets and manage indirect costs within annual operating budgets.
Foster a culture of collaboration within the Practice Area, with emphasis on mentoring, encouraging scientific visibility and empowering scientific independence through internal research and development investments, participation in review boards, and engagement with science-based organizations, among other activities.
Contribute to the strategic growth plan for the SSS Operating Unit, working in close collaboration with the SSS and DLH leadership.
Responsible for identifying key and strategic business opportunities aligned with practice area specialty and broader DLH/SSS growth strategy;
Maintain the development of customer relationships in the Federal government contracting arena, particularly at NIH and CDC.
Serve as an ambassador, internally and externally, to promote the agenda of the DLH/SSS organization. Conduct oneself in a professional and appropriate manner, always, with staff and external clients and customers.
Interacts with DLH/SSS leadership and clients and/or hires staff with appropriate background and credentials to define strategy for new and evolving areas of data science (e.g., Machine Learning (ML)/Artificial Intelligence (AI)) needs.

Qualifications

Candidates for this position should have the following education/experience and demonstrate mastery of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Education and Experience

Advanced degree in data sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, public health or related discipline.
PhD, MD/PhD, or DrPH in relevant field required. Masters with equivalent experience may be acceptable.
At least 15 years of related professional experience.
Previous supervisory and corporate management experience (at least five years).
Strong reputation in science field, as demonstrated by publications/presentations and membership in scientific organizations.
The ability to operate at the executive and senior levels and influence, negotiate and make decisions in a timely, professional, and productive manner.
Strong executive presence.
Ability to gain internal support, operate independently with limited supervision and feedback, and establish a solid working relationship with technical staff, program managers, and peers within and across DLH/SSS
Proven ability to make timely and impactful decisions to drive business and staff growth.
Experience with federal government contracts ideal; grants experience ideal but not required.
Experience working with Federal client sets.
Demonstrated experience effectively managing a staff of scientific researchers and operations team leads in a public health research environment.
Candidates must be US citizens.
Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential, as is the demonstrated ability to contribute to diverse projects, manage competing demands, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and to mentor and develop staff in applicable domains.
Results oriented with the ability to deal with ambiguity, directing and initiating efforts to deliver results with little or no direction.
Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills as well as strong quantitative and qualitative skills.
Strong project management expertise and experience managing complex projects is required (at least 10 years).
In-depth knowledge of corporate management policies and procedures and government contracting environment.
Strong skills in leading and authoring contract research proposals in the federal space. Contribute to proposal efforts, as appropriate, through provision of thought leadership on innovative technical/science solutions, contribute to science writing, and provide color team leadership and engagement to ensure highest success rate possible for key and strategic proposal efforts.
Must possess a willingness to take measured risk to grow SSS and our staff capability and credential; a 'think outside the box' mentality is a must in order to take the business in new directions and create a sustainable offering for the long-term health of the business.