Director, Surveys and Observational Studies

Overview RTI Health Solutions (RTI-HS), a business unit of RTI International, is an independent and internationally recognized research organization. We provide healthcare consulting and research expertise to optimize decision-making for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device products across the development and marketing life cycle. Clients rely on our expertise, quality standards, and integrity to guide their product development and regulatory and market access strategies. Our service groupings include Value, Access, and HEOR; Patient-Centered and Outcomes Research; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Medical Communications; Global Business Operations; and Strategic Consulting and Growth. RTI-HS has office locations in the US, UK, Spain, France, and Sweden. The Surveys and Observational Studiespractice is focused on collaborating with clients in the pharmaceutical/ biotechnology/ medical device industries to design and execute robust, methodologically sound RWE studies to inform clinical development plans, as well as demonstrate and support the value and safety of their marketed products. We are currently looking to hire a Director, Surveys and Observational Studies to serve as a key leadership partner to the Group Head of the practice area, helping guide a team of 15 multidisciplinary researchers with expertise in RWE and primary data collection. This role will strengthen operational excellence to provide scientific expertise, strategic vision, operational leadership, and business acumen to support the Group Head in growing the SOS department. The role spans study design and execution, team leadership, staff development, client engagement and delivery, compliance, and innovation in evidence generation. Responsibilities Scientific provide real-time feedback and support career development plans. Actively performance-manage team members by setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and supporting professional growth. Ensure staff are equipped to deliver work that meets the highest standards of scientific rigor through mentoring, training, and continuous development initiatives. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Implement training programs and capability-building initiatives for staff development. Help identify staffing needs, hiring priorities, and cross-training opportunities to ensure coverage and scalability of project demands. Strengthen operational processes by identifying gaps and contributing to new SOPs, templates, and best practices across proposal development, study execution, and reporting. Business Development ensure financial stewardship of the practice area by driving project profitability, utilization and sustained growth. Monitor and interpret project KPIs, proactively identifying risks early, escalating or resolving issues to maintain operational excellence. Provide guidance to teams in interpreting financial metrics such as Direct Project Rate (DPR), margin optimization, and revenue forecasting to inform strategic decision making and enhance business outcomes. Qualifications Master’s degree or higher (e.g., MPH, MS, PharmD, PhD, MD, RN/PA) with 8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, epidemiology, or HEOR/RWE consulting. Experience designing and executing primary data collection and observational RWE studies, including survey methodology and instrument development. Demonstrated experience leading projects, mentoring staff, and contributing to scientific deliverables.Experience in successfully managing a cross-functional team. Familiarity with ethics and privacy regulations, patient recruitment strategies, data management systems, and mixed-method research approaches. To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills. The ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and methodological rigor. Proven capability to influence and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders. Demonstrated success collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and influencing outcomes without direct authority. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate scientifically rigorous information for diverse audiences. Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative analysis tools is preferred. Comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-growth consulting environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr