Head of Research and Scientific Communication

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alaska, +9 more states.

📋 Description

• Overseeing the research team, which includes doctoral-level clinical investigators, responsible for conducting virtual clinical trials and collaborating with academic researchers on sponsored and cooperative studies, culminating in peer-reviewed publications.

• Creating real-world evidence that demonstrates Virta’s effect on clinical and economic outcomes, in partnership with the Virta data science team and external data sources, ranging from data warehouses to health plans and employers.

• Collaborating with Commercial Marketing, Sales, and Clinical leadership to transform Virta’s research, real-world evidence, and clinical outcomes into a persuasive market narrative.

• Leading and executing a unified Key Opinion Leader (KOL) strategy in conjunction with the commercial team.

• Establishing a network of key investigators interested in partnering with Virta researchers on trials that enhance the influence of the Virta program.

• Actively participating as a member of the Virta Medical Group leadership team, representing the scientific perspective and leading/collaborating on evidence-based clinical initiatives that improve the quality and efficiency of care for thousands of patients facing metabolic health challenges.

• Developing and promoting a real-world evidence program, utilizing data sources both within and outside of Virta.

• Collaborating across functions to integrate evidence into Virta processes, from clinical care to coaching and product development.

⛳️ Requirements

• A doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, PharmD, or an equivalent research doctorate) in HEOR, clinical outcomes research, health economics, health services research, pharmacoepidemiology, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, quantitative social sciences, clinical research methodology, or a related quantitative health research discipline is mandatory.

• A minimum of two years of experience working directly with patients in a clinical or research environment.

• A strong perspective on effectively communicating scientific information to diverse audiences beyond traditional presentation/publication avenues.

• Proven experience collaborating with commercial, marketing, or go-to-market teams to convert clinical evidence, outcomes research, or HEOR findings into market-oriented narratives, thought leadership, sales support, and executive/customer communications.

• Expertise in developing and implementing KOL engagement strategies, including formal KOL mapping, identification and prioritization of key stakeholders, advisory board planning, scientific communications, and ongoing management of external relationships.

• Knowledge of the process for generating real-world evidence by leveraging multiple data sources.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with at least five years of experience in building, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.

• A minimum of five years of business experience in a start-up or similarly high-growth organization to effectively translate Virta science for the marketplace.

• Exceptional scientific writing abilities.

• A solid, inherent understanding of trial design.

• Direct experience with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and the compliance aspects of research.

• Composure.

🏝️ Benefits

• Offers Equity