Guideline Methodologist

American College of Chest Physicians; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American College of Chest Physicians in Glenview, IL seeks a methodological expert to support clinical practice guideline development. Responsibilities include conducting systematic reviews using IOM standards, applying GRADE, creating evidence profiles and evidence-to-decision tables, and coordinating multi-project guideline efforts with volunteers and CHEST committees.

The role emphasizes data extraction, meta-analyses, literature searches, and reporting; candidates should have advanced

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in health services research or related field.
• Experience with GRADE methodology and guideline development.
• Strong literature search and data extraction skills.
• Ability to manage multiple guideline projects and timelines.
• Proven collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide methodological support for guideline development using GRADE.
• Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses per standards.
• Develop evidence profiles and evidence-to-decision tables.
• Coordinate tasks with volunteers, committees, and CHEST journal.
• Prepare reports and assist in guideline dissemination activities.

Skills

GRADE methodology

Systematic reviews

Evidence-based medicine

Literature search

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in health services research

Tools

PubMed

EndNote

Statistical software

Job description

Primary Purpose

Provide methodological support for CHEST’s clinical practice guidelines development program. Conduct systematic reviews based upon IOM (National Academies) standards and develop clinical practice guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, consistent with CHEST standards. This includes, but is not limited to, development of clinical questions, development and completion of literature searches, data extraction, assessment of study quality, meta-analyses, completion of evidence profiles and “evidence to decision” tables, and development of final guideline recommendation statements. Coordinate guideline development, dissemination, and implementation efforts with the volunteers, Guidelines Oversight Committee, Education Committee, CHEST journal, and CHEST Foundation, as appropriate. Coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously including writing reports, managing guideline development efforts, and assisting in the development of other official CHEST documents.

Description

Primary Purpose: Provide methodological support for CHEST’s clinical practice guidelines development program. Conduct systematic reviews based upon IOM (National Academies) standards and develop clinical practice guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, consistent with CHEST standards. This includes, but is not limited to, development of clinical questions, development and completion of literature searches, data extraction, assessment of study quality, meta-analyses, completion of evidence profiles and “evidence to decision” tables, and development of final guideline recommendation statements. Coordinate guideline development, dissemination, and implementation efforts with the volunteers, Guidelines Oversight Committee, Education Committee, CHEST journal, and CHEST Foundation, as appropriate. Coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously including writing reports, managing guideline development efforts, and assisting in the development of other official CHEST documents.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a passion for crushing lung disease and embody CHEST values: honor the team, lead with integrity, leverage passion, cultivate innovation, and have serious fun.
• Conduct comprehensive and systematic literature reviews on assigned topics, including development of evidence‑based guidelines, expert panel reports, and other scientific resources, which will include but not be limited to the following:
• Develop clinical questions utilizing the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) model
• Formulate search strategies, determine inclusion/exclusion criteria, and conduct systematic and comprehensive literature searches
• Screen search results to identify relevant studies
• Acquire articles, maintain article files and EndNote libraries
• Review articles and extract relevant data into evidence tables (summary of findings, descriptive, and methodological assessment tables) and evidence profiles
• Assess study quality
• Conduct meta‑analyses
• Write systematic reviews
• Facilitate interpretation of evidence tables and profiles
• Assist in the refinement of CHEST’s policy on guideline methodology to improve ongoing development, dissemination, and implementation.
• Work with guideline program manager during planning, development, publication, dissemination, and implementation. This includes coordinating panel and project development; establishing and managing timelines and budgets for each project; and conforming to department policies and procedures.
• Leverage automated workflows and artificial intelligence within CHEST policies to enhance efficiency throughout the guideline development cycle while ensuring methodological rigor
• Assist with the development of implementation and evaluation tools to be used with CHEST guidelines, guideline derivative products, consensus statements, and evidence‑based programs.
• With staff support (e.g., guideline program manager), assist with planning and coordinating conferences and meetings of the assigned guideline or consensus statement panels, prepare minutes, collect materials, maintain databases, review manuscripts.
• Maintain regular communication with department staff, members of the GOC, and assigned guideline/expert Chair(s) and panel volunteers.
• Support guidelines dissemination activities, including maintenance of CHEST Web site, provision of detail for communications, and participate in presentations, podcasts, or educational sessions, in coordination with other CHEST staff.
• Develop research reports and papers on topics of interest to CHEST. Draft requests for proposals, funding applications, manuscripts, and other papers as assigned.
• Represent CHEST as an innovator in the guideline development space: Remain active in the guidelines community and represent CHEST within said community.
• Collaborate with clinicians and CHEST staff to develop derivative products for published guidelines to foster physician best practices and greater use of evidence in daily physician‑patient decision‑making. Work with other team and departmental staff to assess effectiveness of derivatives and continually improve product functionality and development processes
• Perform methodologic reviews of guidelines submitted to the CHEST Journal by outside medical societies in collaboration with the CHEST Editor in Chief.

Other Functions/Responsibilities

• Assist with other projects and tasks of the department, as necessary, including obtaining articles and documents requested by CHEST staff.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Advanced post‑graduate degree in one or more of the following: health services research, epidemiology, public health, health sciences, library science, or clinical area such as medicine or nursing with high level of comfort dealing with medical terms, concepts and taxonomies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: biostatistics, research methods, evidence‑based medicine, literature review, systematic reviews, guideline development and critical appraisal, scientific protocol development and study design, guideline dissemination and implementation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience developing clinical practice guidelines, specifically using GRADE methodology and utilizing modified Delphi methods.
• Experience conducting searches with PubMed and other online research databases along with the ability to approach scientific and medical literature from an analytic perspective.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to gain trust and communicate complex concepts with clarity to diverse groups (i.e., physician volunteers, academics, association staff).
• Ability to consistently complete projects in accordance with given timelines, objectives, budgets, and CHEST policy and procedures.
• Strong prioritization skills and drive to execute on tasks and goals and anticipate contingency needs. Demonstrated ability to participate in multiple large concurrent projects at different phases and focus attention accordingly.
• Demonstrated skills to apply effective oral, electronic, and written communication methods with colleagues and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with teams.