Principal Investigator

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Develop research and evaluation studies and oversee the scientific, analytic, and technical aspects; conduct research and develop interventions to increase the effectiveness of public health programs and policies; lead, direct, and oversee the application of advanced statistical and economic methodologies; identify gaps in scientific knowledge, generate scientific hypotheses, and develop and design the methodology of scientific inquiry.  
• Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; participate in forecasting additional funds for staffing and resources; provide leadership and direction in fund development; explore grant and contract opportunities; identify, obtain, and manage funding from grants and community partners; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of contracts; coordinate the finalization of budgets to ensure timely submission of the department budget.
• Provide expert scientific guidance and technical assistance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; represent the county to the national scientific community, including to researchers at federal funding agencies, universities, and research institutes; make scientific presentations, participate in meetings, and conduct  community outreach; act as a scientific representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects; respond and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries.
• Act as a resource, and provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff in the use, application, and interpretation of advanced statistical methods, and in the summation and dissemination of quantitative study results for publication; advise on the more complex concerns and issues. 
• Analyze and review federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conduct analysis on best practices and trends, and formulate and implement recommendations.
• In addition to the above duties, the manager level will: serve as a chief administrator directing and overseeing research and evaluation projects; plan, organize, manage, and administer research and evaluation functions and activities; develop and implement program and strategic planning; implement and assist in the development of research and evaluation policies, procedures, and business practices;  evaluate goals, objectives, priorities, and activities to improve performance and outcomes; recommend and establish administrative controls and improvements; ensure compliance with study protocols, policies, and procedures; direct and approve the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the work of a diverse workforce.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Principal Investigator

• Advanced level
• Professional
• Perform the most difficult assignments requiring a higher level of responsibility, applying advanced subject knowledge, and exercising significant independent judgment and initiative.
• Receive work assignments in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
• Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, compliance to program objectives, and overall results.
• Receive direction from manager or staff.
• May exercise direct supervision over staff.
• Specific requirements: strong publication record (20 or more), including several first author publications in major journals; recognition in the scientific community as an expert as a result of making a significant scientific contribution in public health or a related field.

Principal Investigator Manager

• Advanced level
• Professional
• Perform the most difficult assignments requiring a higher level of responsibility, applying advanced subject knowledge, and exercising significant independent judgment and initiative.
• Receive work assignments in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
• Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, compliance to program objectives, and overall results.
• Receive administrative direction from management.
• Exercise direct supervision over staff.
• Specific requirements: strong publication record (20 or more), including several first author publications in major journals; recognition in the scientific community as an expert as a result of making a significant scientific contribution in public health or a related field."

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.
 
Principal Investigator
Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications requiring a doctorate are a PhD and three (3) to six (6) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Previous work as a Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, or Co-Investigator on major research grants.
 
Principal Investigator Manager
Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications requiring a doctorate are a PhD and three (3) to six (6) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. Previous work as a Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, or Co-Investigator on major research grants.
 
Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and/or additional training, licenses, or certificates.