Merit Review Officer

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 Merit Review Officer (MRO) will skillfully organize and manage the comprehensive scientific and technical review of applications submitted for PCORI funding. The MRO will be responsible for: coordinating the planning, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality, fair, and objective multi-stakeholder reviews; analyzing applications for funding under PCORI's National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda; assisting with the recruitment and training of patients, stakeholders, and other experts for review panels; and helping prepare pre- and post-review documents and materials for use by applicants, reviewers and programs.

MROs directly support PCORI's unique mission of funding high quality research that prioritizes input from patients. MROs are responsible for ensuring that each application submitted to PCORI undergoes a rigorous evaluation and that the most meritorious scientific research proposals are identified for potential funding.

The incumbent will handle complex tasks with substantial independent responsibility, balancing multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities. Self-motivated, detail-oriented applicants who want to join a mission-driven organization are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under guidance of the Assistant Director, Merit Review, examines applications for completeness and adherence to PCORI standards and policies.
• Recruits, selects and trains qualified reviewers to evaluate the merit of funding applications.
• Identifies and manages conflicts of interest for all merit reviewers.
• Fosters effective communication and relationships with the scientific, patient, and stakeholder communities to enhance review activities.
• Assigns applications and contract proposals to reviewers for critique preparation and assignment of scores based on established criteria.
• Monitors all reviewer-written critiques and provides feedback to ensure high-quality written critiques with actionable feedback for applicants.
• Ensures outcomes from and deliberations at in-person Merit Review meetings are conducted in accordance with PCORI's plans and are properly documented.
• Develops a variety of materials for use in internal and external meetings, presentations, guides, and/or publications.
• Writes accurate and succinct panel discussion notes appropriately capturing reviewer feedback to applicants, with input from Program.
• Serves as intermediary between applicants and reviewers, preparing timely summary statements for all applications assigned for review.
• Helps to establish policies, procedures, and guidelines for applicants and reviewers.
• Helps facilitate the open flow of information between relevant PCORI teams.
• Identifies areas for process improvement and actively participates in cross-cutting process improvement initiatives.

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.

Required Skills

• Exceptionally strong organizational and time management skills with superior attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, inter-personal skills, leadership, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Experience with scientific/medical/technical writing and writing to a lay audience (2+ years preferred)
• Sense of accountability and good judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
• Dedication to fair, consistent, transparent and objective scientific review process.
• Concrete and thorough understanding of PCORI's mission, vision, activities, and review criteria.

Required Experience

• Doctorate or Professional Degree (e.g., PhD, ScD, MD, DrPH) in relevant field (preferred) ORMaster's Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Applicants with advanced academic or professional credentials, extensive years of relevant health research experience and experience working in a funding organization/agency may be considered for Senior Merit Review Officer roles. A combination of education and experience may be substituted for the education for both the Merit Review Officer and the Senior Merit Officer.
• Professional experience (4 years preferred) in research administration or science program/project management.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to complex questions and inquiries of a scientific or technical nature.
• Previous experience with conducting independent research, grant writing, scientific or peer review, science or healthcare program management.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $105K - $125K

The above range represents the salary or hourly pay range expected for the position; however, final offers are based on several factors such as the position's responsibilities; the candidate's experience, education, and skills; location; travel required; and current market conditions.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in PCORI-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents.

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-Conflict-of-Interest-Policies-Outside-Employment-Policy.pdf

PCORI conducts background checks on all applicants.

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

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 here. 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.

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Tracking Code

1321-858

This position is located at 1333 New Hampshire Avenue,
Washington, DC.