Program Associate 2, Office of the Chief of RI&I

About Us

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI is committed to continually seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work

Position Summary

The Program Associate provides management, support, and coordination on a variety of administrative and programmatic functions within the Office of the Chief Research Infrastructure Officer (OCRIO) and the wider Research Infrastructure and Innovation (RI&I) Division. Supporting cross-departmental collaboration and the integration of efforts across a diverse team, the Program Associatedrives activities, monitors project timelines and deliverables, andparticipatesin cross-cutting process improvement initiatives. The Program Associate works collaboratively primarily in the following areas: scientific project management and oversight and support of the Methodology Committee, funding initiatives and processes.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as research administrator for scientific portfolios, including project management, tracking, and correspondence with study teams.
• Perform literature reviews or synthesize systematic reviews relevant to programmatic research priorities, funded projects, or applications to assess evidence gaps or summarize the existing evidence base.
• Assist Program Officers, Associate Director, and/or Program Director with administrative and facilitation tasks as requested, including onboarding/training new employees and coordinating and implementing internal and external meetings including committees, work groups, task forces, advisory panels and webinars.
• Participate in program development, strategic planning, and evaluation of funding initiatives and scientific programs.
• Collaborate with other PCORI departments, including Contracts Management, Finance, Engagement, and Communications as necessary, including participating in cross-department work groups as appropriate.

Portfolio Management

• Lead or participate in pre-award processes including reviewing letters of intent for programmatic fit and responsiveness, attending and synthesizing scientific merit review discussions, and contributing to programmatic discussions and evaluation of applications.
• Identify milestones and monitor progress of funded projects and ensure appropriate documentation and status reporting of projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for PCORI-funded investigators, responding to inquiries as appropriate or triaging to Program Officers as required. Collaborate with Program Officers to proactively identify potential study design or operation issues and assist in developing remediation plans.
• Produce reports, presentations and related materials regarding PCORI’s activities and outcomes, including materials for Board or subcommittee meetings, with direction from Program Officers and senior leadership.
• Assist with implementing and improving PCORI’s processes for funding awards and/or other PCORI policies.
• Assist with monitoring of contractual work, such as the work related to topic brief, landscape review or other project development to ensure accuracy of content and timely delivery.

Committee Oversight And Governance

• Provide logistical and administrative support to the Methodology Committee, serving as the main point of contact for MC members and staff regarding MC matters.
• Work closely with Research Infrastructure and Innovation (RI&I) colleagues to manage the PCORI Methodology Committee, including the RI&I Chief and Director, Operations.
• Support the planning and execution of virtual and in-person MC meetings, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, managing timelines, taking minutes, and other tasks as needed.
• Assist in developing and updating MC workplans.
• Facilitate onboarding, provide logistical support, and prepare orientation materials to ensure a smooth transition during changes in MC membership.
• Support RI&I Director in MC finance-related items as needed, including tracking and submitting member attendance for financial reimbursement.

Organizational Responsibilities And Contributions

• Respond to public inquiries from prospective applicants about relevant PCORI funding announcements, alignment of prospective research ideas with programmatic goals, and technical questions related to the application process.
• Attend external meetings and conferences on behalf of PCORI, on topics related to PCORI’s portfolio. Program Associate may also be asked to represent PCORI publicly regarding program direction,