Senior Scientist and Executive Director, Envision Research Institute

The Senior Scientist and Executive Director (ED) of the Envision Research Institute (ERI) is responsible for directing all activities required to conduct and monitor multiple research projects, lead and mentor scientists and fellows, and ensure alignment with Evnsion’s mission and strategic vision. The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI helps formulate effective strategic goals and objectives and ensures implementation and operational integration of those goals and objectives as directed by the VP of FMS Operations.

The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI is responsible for financial viability of the department. The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI works with the Research Program Manager to ensure equipment maintenance, policy and procedure updates, ethics training and IRB oversight of scientific staff.

The Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI also maintains their own independent research and publishes in peer reviewed scientific journals.

In addition, the Sr. Scientist and ED of ERI ensures ERI employees, fellows, and research assistants maintain compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.

• Oversee the Envision Research Institute department and infrastructure while ensuring that the plan and strategy of the research department are consistent with the Mission of Envision.
• Advance Envision’s research arm engaging in quantitative, translational and applied low vision and blindness research that addresses the overall mission of Envision and research priority areas of Envision.
• Conduct measurable, scientifically valid research that addresses practical issues in helping to close practice gaps in the clinical treatment and rehabilitation of persons who have low vision or blindness.
• Create and chair Envision Research Advisory Panel with members from Envision and other collaborating institutions to peer review preliminary research proposals for conceptual compatibility with Envision’s research priority areas, scientific merit, adherence to human subject guidelines and Envision budget guidelines.
• Lead efforts to develop and stimulate participation in clinical research activities that encourage collaborations between Envision and the public and private sectors.
• Plan, direct and evaluate the operations of the research department, as well as infrastructure support as they relate to the research department, assuring the accomplishment of Envision’s mission, strategic goals and institutional objectives.
• Manage and secure Institutional Review Board review for research projects approved by the Envision Research Advisory Panel.
• Establish and oversee grants administration pre- and post-award function, within Envision’s organizational grant framework, to obtain and manage research funding.
• Seek outside research funding from both government (National Institute of Health, National Scientific Foundation, Department of Education, etc) and non-government sources and develop collaborative research with other institutions.
• Maintain a high degree of awareness of the current state of low vision and blindness rehabilitation research and advancements as it relates to Envision by attending relevant symposia, scientific meetings and workshops, and reviewing key journals.
• Provide leadership in the utilization and implementation of continuous process improvement strategies, with the key objectives of creating change that positively affects cost, efficiency, compliance, and quality.
• Track research key performance indicators (publications, fellows trained, conference presentations, etc.)
• Ensure adequate and useful resources, technology, equipment, and support are in place to support the work of research team members who are low vision or blind.