Senior Clinical Research Director (NMCSD) - TBICOE

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Senior Clinical Research Director (SCRD) to provide research and operational leadership to promote engagement in clinical research investigations that are mapped to known TBI gaps and priorities and comply with all Command, federal, state, regulatory, TBICoE and contractor requirements. Clinical functions will take no more than twenty percent of the work week and will only be provided in support of MHS clinical research trial efforts that further TBICoE gaps and priorities.

This position will be in support of the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) in San Diego, CA. TBICoE is a branch of the Research Support Division in the Research and Engineering Directorate (R&E) of the Defense Health Agency (DHA). DHA is a Federal Program within the Department of Defense (DoD). TBICoE, known previously as the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), has been congressionally mandated since 1992 and is currently a matrixed research, dissemination, and knowledge translation program, supporting warfighter brain health and readiness by advancing the traumatic brain injury state of the science and clinical standards.

TBICoE's mission to support the warfighter is executed through subject matter experts embedded across DHA facilities with expertise in TBI clinical research investigations, surveillance, clinical tool development and training, cognitive monitoring and assessment, and dissemination of TBI tools, products, and education/training materials to DoD medical personnel, service members, including Guard, Reserve, and operational medics/corpsmen, veterans with TBI, and families/caregivers of the warfighter.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Leads, supports, and provides oversight of clinical research and translational activities at MTFs and in local operational environments. May serve as a Principal/Associate Investigator. Provides oversight to local contract staff engaged in TBICoE research and translational activities.
• Oversees the design and execution of clinical research initiatives to include development of grant proposals and new TBI research studies in alignment with TBICoE research gaps and priorities relevant to their site, as well as ensuring compliance with all regulatory bodies.
• Supports TBI research through development and implementation of research studies in collaboration with research and clinical professionals locally and nationally; any international partnerships must adhere to strict federal/DOD/DHA guidelines on said collaborations referenced herein.
• Ensures clinical research projects are gap-driven and mission relevant, and that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and adhere to the agreed quality standards and timelines of PRS.
• Develops, implements, and maintains partnerships with patients, health care providers, researchers, family members, line leaders, operational communities, and any other stakeholders relevant to the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of TBI and brain health as applicable.
• Abides by all applicable site, state, local, and/or federal regulations and directives including, but not limited to, required in-service training, peer review, performance /project/ program improvement initiatives, records management compliance, performance evaluations and release/control of information.
• Attends and presents at conferences, meetings, trainings for professional development and presentation of research findings, as appropriate. When requested, disseminates pertinent information obtained from conference attendance to ensure TBICoE remains apprised of scientific developments in brain health and TBI.
• In collaboration with TBICoE leadership and site director, develops metrics for a successful site clinical research program and tasks related to TBICoE's mission. Works across TBICoE government and contract leadership to ensure metrics continue to be relevant and foster site growth and productivity.
• Prepares requests for actions/proposals to include assisting with internal TBICoE scientific content and/or external grant proposal applications, their associated documentation and requirements. Facilitates the flow and approval processes for relevant projects as needed or requested.
• Ensures effective communication and knowledge sharing with TBICoE research colleagues and scientific team.
• Contributes to the preparation of research manuscripts for publication in military TBI, brain health, or related neurological topics, and presentation of posters and papers at scientific meetings. Participates in local and HQ-driven dissemination and implementation efforts.
• Serves as a liaison between TBICoE nationally, locally and the Command, demonstrating effective and bi-directional communication between parties.
• Provides assistance and expertise to TBICoE senior leadership in issues of TBI research, clinical care, emerging technology, and standards of care for patients along the full continuum of TBI severity, blast effects, and brain health.
• Provides assistance and expertise to TBICoE leadership in responding to "taskers", drafts of EXSUMS and Information Papers, attendance at meetings such as R&As, IPRs, roundtables, and reviews of research proposals.
• Collaborates with contract leadership and monitors contract program activities (e.g., staff training and performance; recruitment and hiring; and planning). Anticipates and proactively communicates about site needs, challenges, and successes.
• Other duties consistent with the above responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct Supervisor: local contract staff.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree (MD, PhD, or relevant terminal doctorate degree) in related health or medical field. Experience within clinically appropriate systems of care may be accepted in lieu of educational minimums.
• Minimum 5-10 years of training or experience in clinical and/or research activities in traumatic brain injury required.
• 5-10 years of experience in research as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications and presentations required.
• Must complete CITI/ HIPAA training.
• As applicable, must have and will need to maintain a current license within state/jurisdiction of MTF-based care if intending to use clinical services for research purposes. This license must be current and unrestricted (not subject to restriction pertaining to the scope, location, or type of practice ordinarily granted to other applicants for similar licenses in granting jurisdiction).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of DoD, federal and local regulations, and policies pertinent to research involving human subjects. Prior experience within the DoD/VA systems of care preferred.
• Ability to function independently with a high degree of professionalism and clinical judgment required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with staff at all levels to foster collaborative research activities required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Ability to facilitate, present and translate information to diverse end users of research findings in small and large groups, inclusive of providers, scientists, line leaders, and other relevant TBI stakeholders, as well as the flexibility to re-prioritize quickly based on shifting gaps, taskers, leadership composition, and local/HQ requirements required.
• Must have a high level of competence in clinical investigations, research administration (e.g., budget management, project/grant management, personnel requirements, regulatory compliance, etc), and staff education on SOPs, policies, and best practices.
• Ability to effectively author and lead teams on professional, peer reviewed journal articles, manuscripts, research grant applications, posters and research reports required.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team is required.
• The incumbent must be able to work comfortably with computer software, including Microsoft Office, as well as relevant statistical software.
• Knowledge and experience with MHS, combat/deployment issues, and psychological health issues in the military are highly desired.
• Knowledge and experience with brain injury is required.
• Must adhere to legal, professional, and ethical codes with respect to confidentiality and privacy.
• 2-5 years management experience preferred.
• May require US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• Office, clinical and hospital environment.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $127,000-$151,600. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.