Associate Director, Research

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Reporting to the Chief Research Officer, the Associate Director is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s research portfolio. The Associate Director is a skilled and collaborative leader who coordinates administrative functions to support efficient, effective operations. The Associate Director works closely with the Chief Research Officer and Director of Clinical and Scientific Initiatives to advance the organization’s research strategy, operational excellence, and department goals. 

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Approximately monthly travel to the organizational site, with occasional additional travel for conferences, meetings, and organizational events.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Project Management and Coordination

• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, and deliverables for software, hardware, and clinical research activities
• Coordinate cross-functional research activities among academic, clinical, engineering, and commercial collaborators
• Support strategic partnerships with academic, clinical, and industry stakeholders to advance vision research and technology translation
• Communicate project status, technical risks, study findings, and milestone progress to internal teams and collaborators

Project Specific Research Responsibilities 

• Lead clinical psychophysical testing for visual prosthesis research, including experimental design, condition planning, and data collection oversight
• Direct all aspects of clinical-trial data storage, access, and security for ongoing visual prosthesis research studies
• Analyze clinical data to inform insights into clinical devices and guide optimization
• Support regulatory documentation and submissions as needed for clinical research activities
• Direct system-level design and software development for the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis (ICVP) 
• Develop, maintain, and document ICVP C# software in accordance with design-control practices and participant-safety requirements
• Design, implement, and execute unit- and system-level verification tests for visual prosthesis software
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into prosthetic vision systems

Research Development and Funding

• Collaborate with grants and development teams to identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational research priorities.
• Support the development and submission of grant applications, funding proposals, and other research-related funding materials.
• Coordinate with investigators, partners, and stakeholders to gather information and strengthen proposal submissions.
• Identify and communicate opportunities for research growth, innovation, and program expansion. 
• Support proposal development by coordinating scientific content, budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation.
• Assist in cultivating relationships with funding organizations, research partners, and collaborators.

Scientific Dissemination and Publications

• Author and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference abstracts to disseminate research findings
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences
• Provide expert peer review and editorial service for manuscripts submitted to leading journals in the field

Research Mentorship and Professional Development 

• Mentor students and support research personnel and junior team members in research methods, data analysis, scientific communication, and professional development.
• Provide guidance and support to promote rigorous research practices, effective project execution, and dissemination of research findings.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Research Officer. 

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, otherwise disabled, or are Veterans is essential.
• Master's degree required; doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) preferred in a scientific, clinical, public health, engineering, or related field. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies, data management, and scientific communication.
• Minimum of five years of experience in research, program management, clinical research, or a related field. 
• Experience coordinating multiple research projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. 
• Experience supporting grant proposal development, funding applications, and research administration. 
• Experience with research compliance, regulatory requirements, and data management practices preferred. 
• Publication, presentation, or other scholarly dissemination experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation development. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners. 
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. 
• Knowledge of research ethics, data security, and regulatory compliance requirements. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment. 
• Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills. 
• Proficiency with standard research, data management, and productivity software applications. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Employee Benefits

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.