Associate Director of Research (Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine)

The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) is the global leader in innovative integrative education, evidence-based clinical practice, and influential research since its establishment in 1994. Our research activities seamlessly integrate complementary therapies with conventional medicine, with a special focus on education and corporate health.

The Center is looking for an Associate Director of Research who will lead and conduct individual and collaborative research projects on outcomes, health services, and comparative effectiveness research. This role involves developing and implementing research strategies, analyzing healthcare data, and disseminating findings to improve patient care and healthcare delivery through integrative medicine. This position will work with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive impactful research initiatives.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Research Design and Implementation

• Identify research gaps and align strategies with clinical, regulatory, commercial, and market access goals.
• Select, develop, and implement clinical outcomes assessment (COA) tools in clinical development programs.
• Design and implement research studies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Ensure all research activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Strategy and Development

• Develop comprehensive, scientifically rigorous strategies for clinical outcomes assessment (COA).
• Contribute to the development of target research profiles and clinical research strategies.
• Create and implement global strategies and compile research evidence packages.
• Manage projects and budget resources allocated to assigned projects to ensure efficient use of resources and timely completion of projects.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Utilize advanced data analysis techniques to identify trends, patterns, and insights within large healthcare datasets, including Electronic Medical Record (EMR) data.
• Analyze and interpret research findings to inform decision-making and provide recommendations for improving healthcare outcomes.
• Generate high-quality evidence using qualitative and quantitative methods, adhering to international scientific standards and health authority guidelines.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including physicians, researchers, data analysts, and other healthcare professionals across the University, college, and within the department.
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Communicate study plans, methods, and results to internal and external teams.
• Manage relationships with collaborators and research administrators to ensure timely completion of high-quality projects.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and in publications.
• Mentor and train junior researchers and assist in their professional development.
• Willingness to travel to conferences, stakeholder meetings, including overnight trips.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent knowledge of clinical development, clinical research frameworks, and research study designs and interpretation.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches applicable to patient insights, feeling, and functioning.
• Technical competency in clinical research, specifically the use of eCOA/ePRO and its implementation, linguistic validation of COA measures, and an understanding of psychometrics and related statistics.
• Comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and regulatory requirements from a global perspective and research development processes at all life cycle stages.
• Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory environments influencing clinical development plans, labeling, and promotional claims.
• Effectiveness in a scientific advisory role involving both strategic and tactical elements. Ability to provide strategic consultative support.
• Well-developed conceptual thinking with the capability to access internal and external resources for advice.
• Proactive application of therapeutic areas and disease treatment knowledge.
• Ability to implement projects, including interactions with key stakeholders, with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to work independently, deal with complex issues, and relate to multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to partner and collaborate with external partners. Experience working with and overseeing external contractors and vendors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, and manage conflict constructively with minimal supervisory support.
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work independently, deal with complex issues, and relate to multiple internal and external stakeholders.

• M.D., Ph.D., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D), or Ph.D./M.D. from an LCME-approved medical school or a research-focused doctorate degree in nursing or another health-related field (e.g., community health, epidemiology, exercise science, public health, integrative health, gerontology, psychology, sociology).
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.