HJF is seeking a Deputy Research Area Director (Research Physician/Scientist) to direct and support clinical research protocols with an emphasis on Human Immunodeficiency Virus multisite protocols conducted in the military setting. These protocols are conducted by the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program (IDCRP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. The position will be hired through the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to IDCRP. 

The IDCRP HIV research program leverages the 30-year longstanding U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) in the conduct of epidemiologic studies and clinical trials. This open enrollment, longitudinal cohort study of military active duty and beneficiaries with HIV has enrolled over 6000 HIV+ subjects under care in the DoD.  Study visits occur at six centers nationwide, approximately every 6 months, and include clinical and laboratory data collection, questionnaires, and collection of blood specimens (PBMC, plasma, serum) into an expertly curated repository. Over 1.4 million aliquots are available from an ethnically diverse, educated population (approximately 45% African American, 45% Caucasian, 8% Hispanic, 2% other) with open access to healthcare and medications. The 1600 active NHS subjects provide a willing and well characterized population for interventional studies. A number of HIV related protocols are ongoing and literally hundreds of manuscripts have been published from this resource and population.  The NHS is complemented by a new ‘HIV Virtual Cohort Study’ of all HIV infected military beneficiaries and a large HIV negative control population using the centralized Military Health System Data Repository.  The HIV Research Area scientific strategic plan is currently focused on maintaining long term health of those with HIV, seeking a functional cure of the infection, and on preventing new HIV infections among military members.

The IDCRP is a collaborative research effort with the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and we work closely with partners from NIAID and other NIH Institutes. Established at USUHS in 2005, this unique program aims to strengthen infectious disease clinical research in the US military. The IDCRP brings together a network of clinicians and research scientists at military treatment facilities and military bases who conduct observational and interventional research on a wide range of infectious diseases relevant to the military and the broader medical communities. IDCRP research protocols fall under one of seven research areas: acute respiratory infections, deployment and travel-associated infections, emerging infectious diseases/antimicrobial resistance, HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and trauma-associated infections.

We are seeking a qualified physician (M.D. or D.O.) or scientist (Ph.D.) with training or experience in adult HIV disease, as well as epidemiology or public health. Prior experience in the conduct of clinical research, a demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed medical journals, and excellent written/oral communication skills are important qualities. The candidate will serve a lead role in the development and execution of clinical research protocols and in shaping IDCRP HIV research priorities.

 JOB SUMMARY: The candidate will be responsible to direct and support HIV clinical research protocols with an emphasis on multisite protocols conducted in military settings, including development and execution of new protocols, and for leadership in the IDCRP HIV Research Area. The candidate will qualify for an academic appointment in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the USUHS School of Medicine at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:                                                                                  

1. Leads and supports the development, execution and oversight of clinical research protocols in the context of the HIV Research Area (RA) scientific strategic plan. 
2. Directs and participates in the submission of new clinical research protocols and amendments to organizations including the IDCRP, Institutional Review Boards (IRB), and others.
3. Plans, directs and/or assists with clinical research activities.  Works with the Clinical Research Managers, Site PIs, Lead Coordinators, Site Managers, Data Coordination Center, Program Manager, and others to oversee protocol operations.
4. Prepares and presents research findings at conferences and through publication in peer-reviewed medical journals.  Oversees submission and approval of Public Affairs Office clearance of HIV RA presentations and publications.
5. Assists with RA scientific strategic and operational planning and is responsible for execution, tracking, and reporting for the HIV Research Area.  Oversees and prepares documents, coordinates and vets these, and provides briefings related to these, internally and externally as needed.  Directs preparations and conduct of the annual HIV RA meeting.
6. Solicits and fosters development of new research concepts to support the HIV RA SSP including conducting RA reviews of these as applicable.  Monitors, evaluates, and facilitates success of ongoing research protocols including timelines and production of deliverables, and ensures scientific integrity of the RA.
7. Pursues and assists with opportunities for scientific collaborations and interfacing with scientific and funding organizations.
8. Responsible for management and oversight of HIV RA resources including personnel and finances.  Works with the Program Manager(s), Principal Investigators, and Clinical Research Managers to prepare annual budgets and to manage expenditures versus budgets and to forecast these.  Works with investigators and program leadership to identify and obtain funding to support the research plan.
9. Provides supervision of research personnel including clinical research managers, coordinators, programmer/analysts, biostatisticians, or others.
10. Travels to existing or potential IDCRP study sites to fulfill protocol and program responsibilities including attending IDCRP, scientific, and other meetings.
11. Maintains faculty appointment at USU; participates in IDCRP, departmental, and USU educational and service activities as appropriate.
12. Screens, interviews and assists with selection of applicants for program positions.
13. Performs other assignments as required.

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of clinical medicine and knowledge and proficiency in the conduct of clinical research; experience in the design, conduct and reporting of observational studies in clinical research; experience in the design, conduct and reporting of clinical trials preferred; knowledge and proficiency in the analysis of clinical research data and/or supervision of programmers/biostatisticians; experience in multi-site, multi-disciplinary clinical research protocols preferred; ability to communicate effectively in written/oral form; demonstrated record of presentation and publication of clinical research findings in meetings and medical journals.  Knowledgeable and/or experienced with research conduct and clinical care in the DoD setting preferred; prior military service preferred.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: MD, DO, or PhD degree.

Minimum Experience: 8 - 10 years of related experience, Infectious Diseases Fellowship or similar training, preferably also Epidemiology/Public Health training, with at least four years of post-training clinical research experience.

Physical Capabilities: Standing and sitting. Able to meet travel requirements to support clinical research in potentially austere environments as required.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: (MD or DO) Licensure to practice medicine within the continental United States; board certified or board eligible for certification in the specialty associated with the clinical research program.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: May supervise IDCRP personnel including clinicians, scientists, researchers or medical support staff.

Work Environment: Hospital, clinic, or office environment.

Interested applicants are required to apply through our website and then you may follow up with a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Brian Agan: bagan@idcrp.org, Deputy Science Director, Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program.

HJF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other status protected by law.