Research Director and Cancer Screening Improvement Coordinator

About the Role

The Director of Research & Cancer Screening Improvement Coordinator provides strategic collaboration and operational oversight for research activities and population-based cancer screening initiatives serving YK Delta patients and staff (~30,000 people) within a Tribal Health Organization. This hybrid role integrates research governance with the coordination and expansion of culturally responsive screening programs for routine recommended screenings (i.e., cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers). The role ensures compliance with all applicable ethical, regulatory, clinical best practice, and legal standards while advancing early detection, reducing health disparities, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Working in close partnership with Tribal leadership, Elders, clinical teams, and community stakeholders, the Director advances culturally grounded, community-driven approaches that integrate indigenous knowledge and values into research and care delivery.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with divisions to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive cancer screening programs for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers.
• Ensure full compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, tribal research review processes, and data governance policies.
• Align research and screening activities with tribal sovereignty, organizational priorities, and community priorities.
• Supervise the YKHC Research Coordinator and cancer screening & outreach team.
• Develop work schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manage contracts, and oversee grant funding and purchases.
• Conduct projects and programs in alignment with ethical, regulatory, clinical best practice, and legal standards.
• Perform Raven (Cerner) clinical data queries and utilize data analytics software.
• Communicate complex information and statistical data in understandable terms for the general public.

Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Nursing, Epidemiology, or related field.
• 5-7+ years of experience in public health, clinical program management, or research administration.
• Experience with cancer screening programs.
• CITI/GCP Certified; Lean for Leaders, Calricaraq (within the first year of hire).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Cerner Electronic Medical Records system.
• Familiarity with YKHC cancer screening processes and Research Study requirements.
• Knowledge of epidemiology, statistical compilation, and medical terminology.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural setting and adhere to strict protocol guidelines and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Tribal Health Organization or Indian Health Service setting.
• Familiarity with culturally responsive care models and community-based-participatory research (CBPR), Tribal Based Participatory Research (TBPR).
• Certification in nationally recognized Research Association (Certified Clinical Research Professional CCRP) from the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).
• Lean management certifications.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Proficiency in performing data queries and interpreting statistical data.
• Knowledge of CDC, FDA, and IHS research regulations.
• Ability to manage staff, develop work schedules, and oversee contracts and grant funding.

Benefits

• Generous PTO – starting at 4.5 weeks per year, accrued over time.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement plans.
• Employee Wellness Center.

Pay

Minimum hourly pay: $51.83.

Schedule

• Full-time (80 hours per week).
• Exempt status.

Location: Bethel, Alaska. Department: Health Research.