Research Scientist - HMRI Innovation and Implementation

Houstonmethodistcareers

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director for Innovation and Implementation Research. The role provides strategic scientific oversight for programs spanning digital health, AI-enabled research, and care redesign initiatives within HMRI.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, shape study design and analytics, and mentor trainees while ensuring rigorous scientific standards and successful collaborations with government agencies, industry partners, and

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a related field
Demonstrated strong methodological and analytic abilities
Proven potential for scholarly publications and grant funding
Experience with healthcare/EHR data is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs.
Provide scientific leadership in study design, data science, analytics, and program evaluation.
Oversee scientific writing of manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports.
Co-lead design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives.
Mentor trainees to support academic growth and independence.
Collaborate with clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to advance system-wide goals.

Skills

Methodological expertise

Analytic expertise

Publications potential

EHR data experience

Education

PhD or terminal degree

Job description

The department of Innovation and Implementation Research is recruiting a Research Scientist to serve as Scientific Director to advance innovation, implementation science, digital health and AI-enabled research. At Houston Methodist, the Research Scientist is responsible for advancing the research mission of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) through leadership in innovation, implementation science, digital health, and AI-enabled research. This role provides strategic scientific oversight for innovation and implementation research programs, including complex, multidisciplinary projects that leverage data science, analytics, clinical workflows, and health system transformation methodologies. The Research Scientist serves as Scientific Director of the department and institutional representative, acting as a gatekeeper for research relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and academic collaborators. This position operates to ensure that the scientific, operational, and budgetary needs of the department’s research portfolio are met. The Research Scientist supports management and research staff by monitoring scientific rigor and performance, standardizing research and analytic practices, optimizing financial and data resources, maintaining productivity, and resolving scientific, technical, and operational challenges across projects.

KEY AREAS

Digital Health and AI-focused research programs
Care redesign related research initiatives
Implementation science and learning health systems
Health informatics and Data Analytics

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead innovation, implementation, digital health, and AI-focused research programs aligned with institutional priorities
Provide scientific leadership in study design, research methods, data science, analytics, and program evaluation
Lead scientific writing efforts, including manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and institutional reports
Co-lead the design and execution of clinical trials, pragmatic studies, and health system research initiatives
Co-lead grant development activities, including study conceptualization, methodological design, and scientific proposal development
Mentor postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, graduate students, and other trainees to support academic growth and research independence
Collaborate with clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to advance system-wide innovation and research goal
Ensure responsible stewardship of research resources, data assets, and external collaborations.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in natural science, public health, health services research, epidemiology, informatics, psychology, human factors engineering, social science, behavioral science, or related field
Strong methodological and analytic expertise
Demonstrated potential for publications and funding
Experience with healthcare/EHR data preferred

Scope Clarification

This role does not involve traditional wet-laboratory oversight or bench-based scientific research. Instead, it focuses on non-lab-based, translational, and applied research, emphasizing implementation science, digital healthcare, artificial intelligence, analytics, and real-world clinical impact.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Doctorate degree in related field

EXPERIENCE

Experience in related field of study

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.
Performs procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.
Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.
Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.
Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
Analyzes data and interprets data.
Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).
Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reviews scientific literature.
Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE