Guidelines Research Manager

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest and most influential of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to excellence in:
• Patient Care
• Medical and Public Education
• Research
• Professionalism
• Member Service and Support

The Academy plays a major role in formulating socioeconomic policies that can influence the quality of dermatologic care through its sister organization, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). The Academy seeks to promote and advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology and related disciplines; and support and enhance patient care and promote the public interest relating to dermatology.

Located in northwest suburban Schaumburg (Chicago-area), with a staff of 140 and an operating budget of $30M, the Academy is dedicated to achieving the highest quality of dermatologic care for everyone. Achievement of this vision requires a dynamic organization whose mission embodies: excellence in patient care, education and research; adherence to ethical conduct; responsiveness to its members and to the public; and unification and representation of the specialty.

Position Summary:
Searching for an individual to assist with development of Clinical Guidelines. The chosen individual would provide technical analyst support to the production of clinical guidelines. Act as a consultant to work groups, Guidelines/Outcomes Task Force and Senior Manager of Guidelines and Research on understanding the selection of literature. Interface with volunteer physicians serving on work groups and the Guidelines/Outcomes Task Force that have questions regarding the grading of evidence.

Responsibilities:
1.Review and analyze and interpret scientific articles and clinical research studies. Review and analyze the components, design and structure of each study and evaluate the validity of each study. Analyze and evaluate the level of evidence, the type of outcomes measured, the number, consistency, and coherence of the evidence and the relationship between benefits, harms and costs for each individual study.

2. Rate the quality, quantity and consistency of evidence for each individual study analyzed using the SORT grading scale.

3. Develop and create technical reports that outline the quality of evidence in the recommended studies in a table format. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate emerging and requested literature.

4. Provide ongoing consultation to the Senior Manager, guideline staff, expert work groups and the Guidelines/Outcomes Task Force on grading evidence and evaluating available literature. Assist clinicians in understanding the selection of literature used in draft technical reports.

5. Work with the Administrative Assistant and Medical Librarian to coordinate the comprehensive search of literature. Manage the electronic database of literature for each clinical question/guideline.

6. Work with the Senior Manager in utilizing the evidence tables to ensure internal consistency between the guideline and technical reports.
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills needed.
• Ability to create technical reports including tables of graded evidence and interpretation for each guideline.
• Ability to understand and comprehend the conclusions of a scientific study or clinical trail and what components were involved in the study.
• Ability to juggle multiple guidelines at various stages over several years.
• Ability to work in a team-environment that involves flexibility, adapting to change and meeting deadlines.
• Some travel required.

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters degree in physical science (biology, chemistry, anatomy, pharmacy or physiology), epidemiology, public health or nursing preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience evaluating scientific journal articles or peer reviews.
• Experience with medical writing and medical terminology.
• Experience reviewing scientific/clinical research or literature on a biological or physiological disease required.
• Experience utilizing internet searches using Medline or Pub Med, project support and an analytical approach to technical or scientific materials needed.
Project management and qualitative and quantitative research experience preferred.
• Background in clinical practice guideline development, evidence based medicine or health technology assessment preferred.
• Experience utilizing grading scales or evidence hierarchies (American Medical Association, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence, Cochrane, Goodman Scale, AHRQ, SORT or National Health Sciences Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine) preferred.

In return for your dedication we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical/dental/vision along with a matching retirement plan, pension plan, incentive bonus plan, vacation/medical/personal days, flexible work arrangements and a business-casual work environment.

For consideration please apply online at www.aad.org and follow the Employment at the Academy link. EOE M/F/D/V