Program Associate, Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science (CEDS)

Department: Clinical Effectiveness & Decision Science (CEDS)

Reports to: Associate Director, CEDS

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 will contribute to the implementation of PCORI's research agenda and assist with carrying out the mission of this program. The Program Associate works collaboratively primarily in the following areas: scientific project management and oversight and support of funding initiatives and processes, programming, research, contract management and report analysis, and meeting development and implementation. The Program Associate assists in designing and implementing new initiatives, evaluating proposals, and monitoring programs and awards.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Program 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 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.
• Gather, synthesize, and analyze literature to cultivate background information and identify key findings relevant to the program area.

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.
• Support PCORI's survey and evaluation work as needed.

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, program funding and award results at PCORI-sponsored events or at scientific conferences or events for professional development purposes.
• Work with senior leadership to coordinate and/or prepare materials for Board or subcommittee meetings.
• Assist Senior Program Officer with administrative and facilitation tasks, as needed and requested.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

• Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to think independently, to be flexible and to juggle multiple priorities for multiple managers, work with minimal supervision, and to be tolerant of ambiguity and change.
• Ability to produce polished, quality work products that demonstrate a high-level of attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and articulate, professional speaking abilities both for routine internal or external communication purposes as well as formal oral presentations.
• Excellent analytic skills and ability to synthesize and translate complicated material into clear and simple language. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals and periodicals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Personally motivated to support PCORI's mission and goals; work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities; to create and respond to novel and innovative approaches to addressing an issue; to inspire others to work towards achieving team goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, awardees, consultants, external funders, and others who contribute to program development and management.
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to make decisions, justifies recommendations, and is responsive and clear with proposal applicants;
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Proficient in the use of technology and electronic communications skills.
• Ability to link organizational goals to individual department mission and activities.

• Experience working in health-related research, familiarity with a research application or protocol and research methods
• Quantitative and/or qualitative research training is preferred.
• Experience in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit, academic or government sector and experience with a funding agency/organization is desirable.
• Previous work experience and demonstrated interest in one or more of CEDS's program areas (Clinical Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER), Communication and Dissemination Research, Methods to conduct CER) is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree plus two (2) years of related work experience required, Master's degree in a related field (e.g., MPH, MPA, MPP; or MBA) or its equivalent with zero (0) to four (4) years of related work experience preferred.
• Applicants with advanced academic or professional credentials, extensive years of relevant health research experience, and/or experience working in a funding organization/agency may be considered for Senior Program Associate roles.

PCORI recommends all members of the PCORI workforce adhere to the CDC recommendations regarding staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination.

Conflict of Interest.

PCORI wants to ensure that prospective employees are aware of its conflict-of-interest policies so that employment deliberations take into consideration this aspect of PCORI employment. PCORI requires all PCORI employees to disclose upon commencement of their employment and on an annual basis all individual and close relatives financial, business, and personal association with the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI. All disclosures made by employees are made publicly available on PCORI's website. Disclosures must include all financial, business, and personal associations with any health or healthcare-related organizations. Disclosures should include all associations with any other organizations that have the potential to bias or that have the appearance of biasing one's decisions relating to PCORI, including but not limited to vendors or other third parties with whom PCORI has a contract or that PCORI has funded. For more information please visit

PCORI conducts background checks on all applicants.

PCORI's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

PCORI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity both internal and external to the workplace. You can learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

#LI-MC1