Research Scientific Director

Job Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Research/Scientific Director is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. This 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, including manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports, 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, fostering academic development and research independence.
• 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.

• Provide expert scientific guidance to departmental scientists, data scientists, research staff, management, and executive leadership across innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI.
• Serve as gatekeeper for research relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee scientific execution, rigor, and accountability of in‑house and vendor‑sponsored research programs.
• Develop and implement scientific strategies that support sustainability and business models for existing research programs, while defining priorities for future methodological, analytic, and technological capabilities.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of annual and project‑level scientific reports, maintaining accurate records of research expertise, outputs, and data assets.
• Lead and oversee complex research and field‑based studies, designing and applying original methods and analytical approaches, interpreting findings, and driving continuous improvement of research processes.
• Ensure departmental research activities are prepared for internal and external reviews and audits, including compliance with IRB oversight and other regulatory requirements.
• Establish, implement, and oversee departmental research processes for project intake, prioritization, scheduling, and tracking.
• Ensure departmental policies related to research conduct, data security, privacy, ethical standards are current and consistently applied.
• Engage in grant writing to federal agencies and private corporations, participating in development of proposals and preparation of grant application components.
• Coordinate grant preparation activities with Operations Manager and ensure adherence to institutional policies and timelines.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance to strengthen proposal development, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Serve as liaison between investigators, administrative units, and external partners to facilitate timely and competitive grant submissions.
• Promote continuous professional development, attend leadership conferences, and maintain a personal development plan.

• Ph.D. in a natural science or related field.
• At least ten years of relevant research/academic experience.
• Demonstrated leadership or administrative track…