Director, Research

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Research is accountable for the overall functioning of the research arm of the Centers for Research, Practice, and Innovation (CRPI) as well as serving as a subject matter expert in the field of infection prevention research.

The Director, Research is responsible for the ongoing development and execution of the APIC research agenda through the APIC Innovation Testing Lab. The director will identify key research questions in alignment with APIC’s research agenda and design studies focused on answering those questions. The director will oversee all aspects of CRPI study development, execution, analysis, and publication, serving as a principal investigator when appropriate. The Director, Research will also serve as a research subject matter expert for the entirety of the CRPI, providing consultation and interpretation of external research when needed. This position will provide support to the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) as needed to further the work of the CRPI.

 The Director, Research will interact closely with multiple categories of external stakeholders, including other researchers, vendor partners, and other association partners. This position will also interact routinely with other APIC staff members in the business development, policy, and education departments. The director will oversee an expert advisory panel of volunteer researchers as well as a new researcher training program. The director will be responsible at times for overseeing contracted services and employees, including but not limited to: statisticians, medical librarians, and project managers.

The Research Director must be adept at research and analysis and possess excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills. The director must be organized, a problem solver, self-directed, and demonstrate leadership and initiative, while at the same time being a committed team player. The position requires political savvy, a keen understanding of trending infection prevention issues, and strong leadership and project management skills.

The ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, along with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities is also key to success in this role. The Director, Research must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities. This position supports the goals and mission of APIC.  

 The Director, Research exemplifies APIC’s staff core values of Ownership, Unity, and Commitment.

 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Weight

Essential Functions

1.

40%

Internal Research IPC Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Serve as SME for Research arm of CRPI
• The Director, Research develops and serves infection prevention professionals by identifying, conducting, and publishing relevant infection prevention-focused research
• Partners with business development to procure funding for key research projects through grants and business partnerships
• Represents CRPI and APIC as a liaison to key associations and organizations
• Assists Health Equity and Practice Guidance Committee as needed to analyze existing research and provide consultation as needed for new study design

2.

30%

Innovation Testing Lab (ITL) Leader 

• Identifies and explores opportunities to make innovative products and processes available to infection preventionist
• Oversees ITL funding and contracts
• Ensures ITL projects are executed to the highest standards and in accordance with APIC’s mission 

3.

10%

Research Training Program Lead

• Develops and executes a new researcher training program
• Creates educational materials to be used for training new researchers in perpetuity 

4.

10%

Expert Advisory Panel Support

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Expert Advisory Panel.
• Manage all panel-related activities including monthly conference calls, in-person meetings, approving and reviewing minutes, and any relevant follow up.
• Work effectively with panel and other committees to provide consultation while avoiding duplication of efforts.

5.

10%