Sr Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission.

It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Senior Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis works as part of the Center for Early Cancer Detection Science (CECDS) Cancer-related Evidence Synthesis Team (CrEST) to lead systematic evidence reviews used to inform ACS guidelines for the early detection of cancer. Using their advanced understanding of systematic review methods, they will serve as a working principal investigator (PI) or a co-PI to develop and refine evidence needs with CrEST leadership and the CECDS guidelines team, and will subsequently design, lead, and conduct all aspects of a range of evidence synthesis products.

In addition, they will supervise, train, and mentor junior research staff, and coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, including but not limited to, ensuring adherence to deadlines, assigning tasks to project team members, and communicating with relevant internal and external subject matter experts and interest holders.

This is a fully remote position; however, candidates located in Portland, OR, or Seattle, WA, are strongly preferred. We also welcome applicants residing elsewhere on the West Coast. Proximity to Portland is preferred to support occasional in-person team meetings and collaboration.

The Senior Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis serves as a working principal investigator (PI) or co-PI to lead the design, conduct, and dissemination of high-quality systematic evidence reviews (e.g., systematic reviews, living systematic reviews, rapid reviews) to inform ACS guidelines for the early detection of cancer.

• Lead and conduct all stages of systematic evidence reviews, including protocol development, study selection, critical appraisal, data abstraction, and quantitative and qualitative synthesis
• Critically evaluate the quality and applicability of included research studies, and assess the strength of the body of evidence for selected outcomes
• Lead communication of findings; write presentations, reports, and manuscripts for journal publication; review, edit, and combine sections written by project team members
• Communicate and manage relationships with internal and external subject matter experts and interest holders
• Manage administration of systematic evidence reviews by delegating tasks, providing guidance, and monitoring progress for review team members of various backgrounds (BA/BS, MPH, MD, PhD, etc.)
• Ensure adherence to project deadlines
• Develop working knowledge of current cancer screening practices and guidelines for relevant ACS cancer screening guideline topics
• Use appropriate software and tools to manage each project (e.g., DistillerSR, End Note, data visualization tools); train project team members to use relevant software and tools

Coordinate with CrEST leadership and the CECDS guideline development team to determine scope of evidence needs for cancer screening topics. Communicate project updates and disseminate findings to the CECDS guideline development team and ACS Guideline Development Group.

Provide subject matter expertise, peer-review, etc. Represent ACS at professional meetings. Perform ad-hoc evidence tasks for ACS CAN or ACS leadership. Participate in other research tasks as…