Director, Primary Care Research

Job Description
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is seeking a Director of Primary Care Research to lead the staff team for the highly successful Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS) Network.

ABOUT THE AAP AND PROS:

The AAP, based in the Chicago area, is a professional membership organization of 67,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health of all children. In 1986 the AAP created PROS, a primary care, practice-based research network to bring together practitioners and leading pediatric researchers to conduct national, collaborative research that will lead to improved pediatric care. PROS has a distinguished record of success in obtaining federal funding, including R01-level National Institutes of Health support, and publishing in leading journals. PROS studies issues of high relevance to pediatric primary care, such as onset of puberty, treatment of obesity, smoking cessation, vaccine hesitancy, screening for social determinants of health, and antibiotic prescribing. Projects in development include addressing mental and behavioral health and use of telemedicine in primary care practice (see: https://www.aap.org/pros).

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Director, Primary Care Research will lead the staff team that works with leading pediatric researchers and practitioners from around the US. Key responsibilities include:

• In collaboration with the pediatrician leadership of PROS, guide the strategic and scientific direction of the network.
• Direct staff in the execution of multi-site practice-based research projects and in accomplishing network goals and objectives.
• Collaborate in conceptualizing, developing, and writing grant proposals.
• Oversee dissemination of PROS findings to audiences within and outside the AAP.
• Author and coauthor reports, papers, and research articles for peer-reviewed journals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Doctorate in health-related field such as social sciences, health services research, epidemiology, or public health, and at least 7 years' experience in health research required. Background in pediatrics and practice-based research preferred. Experience in administration and execution of multi-site, collaborative research is essential, as well as grant-writing and administration, supervising staff, and authorship of peer-reviewed publications.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for research and improving health and health care, and a willingness to work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals. The position is a rare opportunity for candidates with excellent research leadership, managerial, analytic and communication skills. Some travel required.

The position is supported with core AAP funding and offers competitive compensation and benefits.

APPLICATION:

To learn more about the organization, see a full job description, and submit a cover letter and CV for consideration, please visit https://www.aap.org/employment.

The position is in Itasca, IL, in the Chicago suburban area and offers a hybrid work environment with 40% on-site work. All AAP employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; requests for a medical or religious accommodation regarding this vaccination can be submitted for consideration upon an offer of employment. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation regarding the job application process may call 630-626-6297. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.

Full Job Description:

1. Direct the execution of the multi-site practice-based research projects conducted by the PROS Network.

2. Supervise and mentor assigned staff. Encourage a work environment that promotes inclusion and belonging of all staff. Support ongoing staff development, help set objectives, and evaluate performance, and promote and enhance staff capacity in skills necessary to achieve goals. Ensure staff operate in a fiscally prudent manner, maintain confidentiality, operate with the highest ethical standards, and provide excellent service to members and volunteers.

3. In collaboration with the PROS Director, Associate Director, and Vice President, guide the strategic and scientific direction of the PROS Network.

4. Conceptualize, develop, and write proposals for funded projects, including federally funded projects.

5. Ensure that grant-funded projects are executed with high scientific standards, efficiency, and in compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and funder's expectations.

6. Develop and monitor area budgets, including grants. Report on variances and submit reports to funders as needed.

7. Ensure projects are fully compliant with federal requirements for research, including human subjects' protection and protected health information.

8. Maintain PROS network, including critical communications and relationships with external investigators and relevant AAP programs and staff.

9. Ensure that scientific papers and other final products from PROS are disseminated to audiences within and outside the AAP.

10. Write reports, papers, and research articles for peer-reviewed journals.

11. Represent the PROS Network at selected meetings internal and external to the AAP.

12. Consult on other AAP research projects and proposals as needed.

13. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in health-related field such as social sciences, health services research, epidemiology, or public health required.

EXPERIENCE:

At least seven years' related experience in health research required, preferably related to pediatrics and practice-based research. Experience in administration and execution of multi-site, collaborative research projects is essential; grant-writing and administration; supervising staff, and peer-reviewed research publications required.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

Excellent research, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, diplomacy, and verbal/written communication skills required, as well as expertise in health services research and grants management. Must be able to take initiative, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents. Must be skilled in leadership and developing staff, as well as promoting and maintaining a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment, with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office, virtual meeting platforms (eg, WebEx, Teams) and the ability to learn and apply new technologies. Some travel and evening/weekend work required.