Research Scientific Director

Research Scientific Director

Location:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute, 6560 Fannin St., Houston TX, 77030.
Job
-2022. Job Shift: Day. Job Type: Full Time.

At Houston Methodist, the Research/Scientific Director is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. The role provides strategic scientific oversight for innovation and implementation research programs, including complex, multidisciplinary projects that leverage data science, analytics, clinical workflows, and health system transformation methodologies.

• Lead and define the scientific strategy for innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities.
• Provide senior leadership in research methods, study design, data science, analytics, and evaluation frameworks for health services and implementation research.
• Lead and oversee scientific writing, ensuring high-quality scholarly output.
• Co‑lead the scientific design and execution of clinical trials and pragmatic studies, particularly those involving digital tools, AI, and health system interventions.
• Co‑lead grant development efforts, including conceptualization, methodological design, and scientific sections for federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored funding.
• Serve as a scientific mentor for postdoctoral fellows, MD research fellows, PhD students, and other trainees.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align research initiatives with operational goals, clinical priorities, and system-wide innovation efforts.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of research resources, including budgets, data assets, and external partnerships.

This role focuses on non‑lab-based, translational, and applied research, emphasizing implementation science, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, analytics, and real‑world clinical impact. It does not involve traditional wet‑laboratory oversight or bench-based scientific research.

People (20%)

• Provide expert scientific guidance to departmental scientists, data scientists, research staff, management, and executive leadership.
• Serve as liaison between research teams, departmental leadership, institutional committees, and executives.
• Ensure team members receive appropriate training in analytic platforms, digital tools, and research systems.
• Collaborate with Communications and External Relations to develop internal and external communication materials.
• Foster productivity, accountability, and collaboration among research teams.

Service (25%)

• Provide scientific leadership and oversight for departmental research programs.
• Develop and implement a scientific strategy that supports sustainability and appropriate business models.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of annual and project-level scientific reports.
• Lead and oversee complex research and field-based studies, designing and applying original methods.

Quality / Safety (25%)

• Ensure departmental research activities are prepared for internal and external reviews and audits.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, including IRB oversight and data governance standards.
• Establish and manage research processes for project intake, prioritization, scheduling, and tracking.
• Maintain and update research policies, training, and ethical standards.

Finance (25%)

• Engage in grant writing and preparation of proposals for federal agencies and private corporations.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance to strengthen proposal development.
• Coordinate grant preparation activities with institutional policies and procedural requirements.
• Establish fee schedules and monitor research budgets.

Growth / Innovation (5%)

• Identify and pursue self-development opportunities.
• Attend national or international leadership conferences and maintain a development plan.

Education

• PhD, terminal degree in one of the natural sciences

Experience

• Ten years of relevant research/academic experience.
• Leadership or administrative track record, ideally with prior experience in developing or overseeing…