Research Associate III - Evidence Synthesis

Position Overview: 

This role will independently direct key aspects of systematic literature review (SLR) research projects with guidance from senior staff, as well as manage multiple projects with tasks varying to degree by project. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Define and refine research questions as they pertain to the SLR objectives 

• Design of literature searches/algorithms to be implemented in scientific literature databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, etc.) and grey literature sources (conference proceedings, regulatory agencies).  

• Develop inclusion/exclusion criteria within the PICOS framework to be implemented during screening process 

• Oversee the screening of abstracts and full-text articles against defined inclusion/exclusion criteria to assess their suitability for inclusion in the review 

• Review the PRISMA diagram depicting the study attrition 

• Validate data abstraction and extraction 

• Finalize the analyzable dataset 

• Draft tables and figures for analysis results 

• Synthesize the evidence base by through drafting and editing sections of project deliverables (e.g. reports, protocols, statistical analysis plans) and dissemination actives, abstract and manuscript preparation 

• Delegate tasks to junior staff and review their work as appropriate 

• Develop a project plan and monitor project progress, including timeline and budget 

• Draft project proposals, including scoping the body of evidence and preparing project budgets) 

• Co-lead (or lead) client communications, both via email, phone, and in-person; responsible for day-to-day communications 

• Participate in nonliterature-based research and consulting activities within other departments (e.g., modeling and simulation, real-world evidence).   

• Participate in staff recruitment and training efforts 

• Serve as a line manager (depending on skills/experience) 

Education, Professional Skills & Experience:  

• PhD in health sciences, economics, biology, natural sciences or a related field with some related experience; MSc. with significant related experience, or Bachelors with extensive relevant experience. 

• Proven experience in systematic literature review methods in health economics and/or health services research; experience in network meta-analysis would be an advantage but is not essential. 

Personal Skills & Competencies:  

• Commercial experience in a similar environment is highly desirable, but not essential 

• Deep understanding of research principles and demonstrated practical research implementation 

• Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.  

• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.  

• Frequently interacts with others to obtain or relate information to diverse groups.  

• Works independently with little guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions and plans work schedules to meet goals.  

• Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence. Ability to perform under stress. Ability to multitask.  

• Regular and consistent attendance.