Senior Program Officer (SPO), MNCNH Clinical Epidemiology

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Maternal, Newborn, nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Child Nutrition & Health (MNCNH) Clinical Epidemiology is tasked with executing the upstream data strategy of the MNCNH team. This role requires leveraging expertise in perinatal epidemiology and clinical trial methodology to enhance the design of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) funded by MNCNH. The SPO will conceptualize and manage a portfolio of adaptive, integrated clinical trials that address priority areas within the MNCNH strategy. This position involves engaging with both internal and external stakeholders to provide technical input on trial protocols and statistical analysis plans. The SPO will also contribute to the synthesis of interim data readouts, enabling strategic iterations based on data insights. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills in epidemiology, adaptive trial design, and data analytics, and will be expected to work collaboratively across disciplines to integrate data and strategy into cohesive plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for designing adaptive, integrated clinical trials that are optimized for both efficiency and informativeness. This includes providing technical reviews and input on trial protocols and statistical analysis plans. The SPO will actively manage the execution of funded trials, ensuring adherence to operational and data readout milestones. Engaging with key stakeholders is crucial to optimize trial design and execution, translating interim and final readouts into actionable insights regarding investment strategy and policy. The SPO will also collaborate with grantees and internal data scientists to facilitate effective data utilization in strategic decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related quantitative field. Previous experience as a trial methodologist in pharmaceutical or research settings is essential, along with demonstrated expertise in leading complex trial designs efficiently. Strong communication skills are required, particularly the ability to synthesize complex information and tailor messages for senior audiences. Familiarity with low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts and experience working with data, research, or health systems in low-resource settings is advantageous. An interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and the ability to pilot AI applications in clinical trial design and data analysis is also beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, especially in cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder environments, and be comfortable navigating a fast-paced, evolving landscape with shifting priorities.

Educational Background:
A PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, or an equivalent quantitative field is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of clinical trial design and data analysis, which are central to the role.

Experience:
The position requires previous work experience as a trial methodologist, particularly in pharmaceutical or research environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading complex trial designs and managing clinical trials effectively. Experience in low-resource settings and familiarity with health systems in these contexts will be considered a plus, as it aligns with the organization's mission to improve health outcomes in underserved populations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills relevant to the regions served by the organization may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The salary range for this role is between $238,400 and $369,400 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is between $262,200 and $406,400 USD. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven focus, and new hire salaries typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range based on job-related skills and experience. The role may require travel up to 20% domestically and internationally. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the application process.