Principal Investigator - Autism Studies
Chickasaw Nation Industries

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SUMMARY

The Principal Investigator (PI) will facilitate a five (5) year longitudinal study in support of the CDC Child Development and Disability Branch (CDDB), Division of Human Development and Disability (DHDD), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) scientific and technical assistance to conduct and support ASD and FXS research.

Research is centered on the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) Follow-Up Studies and CDC research, characterizing the Natural History of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) to Inform the Development of Intervention Outcome Measures. The SEED Follow-Up provides information through early adulthood on the health and functioning, service use and needs, and the impact of ASD for individuals with ASD and their families. The FXS research characterizes the cognitive, behavioral and adaptive skills and other indicators on functioning of individuals with FXS. The FXS research builds on previously funded Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Database (FORWARD), which includes baseline and longitudinal data on individuals with full-mutation FXS.

Planned scientific and technical collaborations between SEED Follow-Up and FXS research shall enable CDC to address current limitations in FXS research and compare outcomes. The goal of this ASD-FXS cross-program coordination is to understand differences in functioning, outcomes and service needs for children with FXS with and without ASD and children with ASD without FXS in similar age groups from childhood through early adulthood.

The PI will be the key position on a contract team providing scientific and technical support including data collection, management, analysis and research coordination. The research results will inform strategies that can be used to promote optimal health and functioning of individuals with ASD or FXS as they mature. Research results will be published in peer-review journals and presented at scientific conferences to enhance and expand general public health knowledge. The objectives of the research and its outcomes support the Division of Human Development and Disability's mission to optimize the health and development of children and adults with, or at risk for, disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for the integration of CNI Core Competencies into daily functions, including: commitment to integrity, knowledge / quality of work, supporting financial goals of the company, initiative / motivation, cooperation / relationships, problem analysis / discretion, accomplishing goals through organization, positive oral / written communication skills, leadership abilities, commitment to Affirmative Action, reliability / dependability, flexibility and ownership / accountability of actions taken.

Oversees all study activities related to this collaboration, including data collection, management, analysis and research coordination.

Establishes and facilitates data use agreements and IRB approvals within each research site.

Liaises and coordinates between research sites.

Develops age-appropriate research surveys.

Oversees ongoing surveys and participant interviews, data collection and data management activities.

Ensures research complies with IRB requirements.

Ensures preparation and regular updates to procedure manuals, data collection instruments, study and procedural documentation.

Develops, implements and maintains appropriate Quality Control procedures.

Provides CDC with regular status discussions about study and protocol issues and recommendations.

Publishes research results in peer-review journals and presents at scientific conferences.

Responsible for aiding in own self-development by being available and receptive to all training made available by the company.

Plans daily activities within the guidelines of company policy, job description and supervisor's instruction in such a way as to maximize personal output.

Responsible for keeping own immediate work area in a neat and orderly condition to ensure safety of self and coworkers. Will report any unsafe conditions and/or practices to the appropriate supervisor and human resources. Will immediately correct any unsafe conditions to the best of own ability.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Ph.D. in related field required and a minimum of seven (7) years' of directly related experience leading Autism or FXS research studies.

Prior experience supporting CDC or federal government research contracts desired, but not required.

CERTIFICATES / LICENSES / REGISTRATION

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Ability to quickly earn the trust of key internal and external stakeholders, lead and inspire teams, set study direction and approach, resolve conflict, deliver tough messages with honesty and grace, and occasionally execute with limited information and ambiguity.

Demonstrated ability to develop and apply comprehensive solutions to research programs

Skilled proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, etc.)

Exceptional organization skills with ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.

Skilled in facilitating teamwork and coordinating efforts for the successful achievement of goals.

Excellent supervisory and management skills with ability to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills with ability to compose meaningful reports, present research / information with clarity, and create quality presentations.

Ability to schedule, plan and lead meetings.

Ability to implement a proactive approach to problem solving.

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to effectively work both independently and in a highly collaborative, team environment.

LANGUAGE

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls. Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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