Associate Director, Research

Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

6 sick days accrued

Insurance eligibility after 30 days

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Short/long term disability

Life insurance 2x salary

Employee recognition events

401(k) matching

On-site dining options

Job summary

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired invites applications for the Associate Director, Research. This senior role reports to the Chief Research Officer and leads the organization’s research portfolio with strategic and operational leadership.

Travel is required monthly to organizational sites, with occasional conferences and events. The position requires a master's degree (PhD/MD preferred) and at least five years in research or related fields.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; doctoral degree preferred in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in research, program management, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of research methodologies and data management.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with grant proposals and research administration.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and data security in research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the research portfolio with strategic and operational oversight.
• Coordinate cross-functional research activities among academic, clinical, engineering, and industry partners.
• Communicate project status, risks, findings, and milestones to internal teams and collaborators.
• Oversee clinical psychophysical testing and data handling for research studies.

Skills

Research leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Scientific communication

Grant proposal support

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree preferred

Job description

Associate Director, Research

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Professional The Chicago Lighthouse - Main Office, Chicago, IL, US

11 days ago Requisition ID: 1055

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

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:

• 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 & Affiantive 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.