Director of Research and Development

Position : Director of Research and Development, WHSP Institute

Location : Brighton, MA

Position Type : Full time, On‑Site

Primary Report to : Dr. Kathryn Ackerman

Secondary Report to : WHSP Scientific Advisory Group (SAG)

Staff Reporting : Approximately 5–10 internal research‑based staff and 5–10 external research investigators.

Position Summary

The Director of Research (DR) is a key position within the new Women’s Health, Sports & Performance (WHSP) organization. The DR is a mid‑to‑later career researcher with a well‑established line of research. The DR will be responsible for setting a clear vision, fostering collaboration, and executing research projects from conception to publication and dissemination.

Key Responsibilities

• Research strategy & portfolio : develop and iterate a multi‑year research plan aligned with WHSP strategic priorities; convert concepts into feasible protocols with clear endpoints, timelines, and resourcing needs.
• Training & mentorship : provide hands‑on mentorship and direct oversight to research staff on research methods, statistics, and scientific writing, modeling best practices for open and reproducible science.
• Study design & execution : lead protocol development, IRB submissions, standard operating procedures, case‑report forms, and staff training; coordinate Boston‑led multi‑site start‑ups and ongoing operations.
• Methods & data standards : define measurement standards (e.g., DXA scan protocols, nutrition protocols, biomechanics), data dictionaries, and quality assurance / quality control (QA / QC) plans; ensure reproducible workflows and rigorous documentation.
• Analysis & interpretation : oversee analytic plans, perform or supervise statistical analyses, and synthesize findings with the Director and consultants; ensure conclusions are supported by data and limitations are transparent.
• Publications & dissemination : drive manuscripts, conference abstracts, white papers, and invited talks; ensure consistent Institute acknowledgment and branding across outputs.
• Continuing education : maintain awareness of the latest sport science developments through attending and presenting at national and international conferences, and through self‑directed study.
• Governance and collaboration : convene regular reviews with the Director and the SAG; track milestones, risks, and decisions, and document them for transparency and continuity; build collaborative partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Resources & operations : optimize use of the physiology laboratory and metabolic kitchen; coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships; propose staffing plans as the portfolio grows.
• Compliance & ethics : maintain IRB approval records, data privacy, and participant safety; oversee data‑sharing agreements and material / data transfer processes.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as the WHSP Institute Director sees fit.

End‑of‑Year 2 Success Indicators

Qualifications – Required

Qualifications – Preferred

Role Logistics

How to Apply

Please submit to info@whspinstitute.org :

Equal Opportunity

WHSP Medical is an equal opportunity employer. WHSP Medical provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or military service. National and international applicants welcome.

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