Associate Vice President - Health Research (NIH/FDA/CDC) - Remote

$170,000 - $200,000/Yr

Westat - Rockville, MD

Full-time - Senior

Hybrid - Rockville, MD

1,001-5,000 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Health Research at Westat is a senior leadership role focused on expanding the company's clinical research services within federal agencies, particularly the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The AVP will lead business development efforts, manage large-scale clinical trials, and mentor a team of professionals, ensuring a culture of quality and excellence in research practices. This position is remote but requires monthly travel to the headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Serve on the Clinical Research Practice's leadership team to foster growth and develop/implement initiatives ensuring an overall culture of quality and excellence.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to expand the company's clinical research services within HHS agencies.
• Lead business development and capture for opportunities within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal clients to secure new business opportunities.
• Direct and manage large clinical trials support services contracts or a series of smaller projects including leading design, data collection, analysis, and publication.
• Lead and mentor a team of clinical research professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring billability.
• Collaborate on cross-practice initiatives and serve as a thought leader both internally and externally.
• Represent Westat at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote our services and expertise.

Requirements

• Master's degree in biological sciences, clinical research, public health, or related field; PhD and/or PMP preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive project and team leadership experience in clinical research.
• Successful track record of business development in government contracting, specifically with NIH and/or FDA.
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. government regulatory compliance including but not limited to Human Subjects Protections and Good Clinical Practice.
• Experience mentoring research staff at all levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to take initiative as well as direction from leadership.
• Capable of managing multiple tracks of complex business activities simultaneously.
• Effective working both independently and in teams with a commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Life insurance