Project Director, Epidemiology (Job 1306)

DLH delivers improved health and national security readiness solutions for federal programs through science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation. Our experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike by leveraging advanced tools – including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud enablement, modeling, and simulation, and more. With over 2,400 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovation to improve the lives of millions.

Overview

DLH is actively seeking an enthusiastic and visionary Project Director with subject matter expertise in chronic disease and epidemiology, as well as experience with project management of U.S. Government-funded public health research programs. In this critical executive role, you will manage a large, long-standing federal contract, leading teams of internal and external epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, biostatisticians, data managers, and study operations staff in addressing complex research challenges through the management of a major, prospective epidemiological cohort study. You will play a central role in shaping and executing long-term study operations, overseeing comprehensive data collection, participant follow-up, and coordinated research activities to advance understanding of factors influencing public health outcomes. The Project Director must exhibit a passion for advancing public health research, a commitment to operational excellence, and the strategic vision to maximize impact in partnership with our government clients.

Leadership Expectations

The Project Director is expected to exemplify executive leadership qualities, demonstrating outstanding verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact effectively with senior government stakeholders, internal leadership, and diverse project teams. Candidates must display vision and maturity, providing strategic direction that aligns with organizational objectives and scientific advancements. A strong business acumen is essential, enabling the Project Director to evaluate opportunities, drive operational success, and support sustainable growth within the public health research portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and monitor daily contract operations, serving as executive liaison and company representative to federal clients. Communicate status, changes, and challenges proactively, mitigating risks and developing actionable solutions.
• Exhibit strong vision in collaborating with Senior Managers to define and execute departmental and organizational strategies that enhance service delivery, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Provide scientific leadership and subject matter expertise in epidemiology across all phases of study operations, including design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Partner with technical and scientific leaders to develop innovative approaches for both existing and new research activities. Provide technical leadership and guidance on research design, data analysis, study conclusions, and resolution of research challenges.
• Supervise and direct multiple projects and workstreams concurrently, ensuring that timelines are met and maintaining transparency and regular communication with clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee participant engagement and follow-up activities, ensuring high levels of retention and response quality across a large, diverse study population.
• Direct data collection, quality assurance, and data management operations, ensuring integration of multiple data streams and adherence to established protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight of biospecimen collection, processing, and storage activities in coordination with laboratory leadership, maintaining compliance with applicable safety and quality standards.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with clients, academic collaborators, industry partners, and stakeholders to support current and future research initiatives.
• Demonstrate business acumen through critical analysis of existing programs and the implementation of innovative solutions, leading to measurable project improvements and long-term contract success.
• Identify and pursue new business development opportunities with existing and potential clients; contribute to proposal and grant efforts and articulate technical/scientific vision through thought leadership and science writing.
• Mentor, guide, and provide executive oversight to junior staff and research team leaders; foster an environment of professional growth, excellence, and accountability.
• Collaborate across practice areas to expand the organization's research footprint, pursuing new grants and contracts that further DLH's mission in public health and epidemiological research.
• Ensure compliance with federal research regulations, data privacy and security standards, and ethical requirements throughout all study operations.
• Maintain a high level of situational awareness regarding scientific, technological, and industry trends to ensure the company remains competitive and innovative.
• Actively participate in external scientific associations and organizations through publication of manuscripts, presentations, and engagement as speaker and session chair to enhance DLH's visibility and scientific reputation.

Qualifications

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or a closely related discipline
• 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience managing large, complex epidemiological or public health research programs in academic, government, or commercial settings.
• Direct research experience in epidemiology or public health, with experience in longitudinal study design and operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including strategic planning, staff oversight, and executive communications in public health research or related fields.
• Proven track record of operating independently at a senior level, influencing organizational direction, and making timely decisions that drive program success.
• Experience working with federal government or commercial research clients as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the maturity and professionalism required to represent the organization at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A history of engaging in and leading change management and process improvement initiatives.
• Superior business acumen, with the capability to evaluate opportunities, manage competing priorities, and contribute to growth strategies.
• Strong scientific reputation, as evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and participation in scientific organizations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in environmental health, environmental epidemiology, cancer epidemiology, public health genetics, or related research domains.
• Project management certification and government contracting experience.
• Experience contributing to proposals and grants for federally funded research, particularly with NIH and CDC.
• Active participation or leadership in national or international scientific associations and conference committees.
• US citizenship is required due to federal contract requirements.

Basic Compensation: $150,000 - $220,000 yearly salary

The salary range listed reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. The final offer may vary based on skills, experience, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. Additional compensation may include performance incentives and program-specific awards. We do not use salary history to determine compensation, in line with applicable law.

Benefits

DLH Corp offers our employees an excellent benefits package, including Personal Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, vision, supplemental life with AD&D, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, legal services, and more. We want our employees to save for their future; therefore, we offer a 401(k) Retirement Plan, which includes a matching component. DLH is dedicated to your career development, providing training to help drive success, with access to our best-in-class e-learning suite for formal and informal learning, professional and technical certification preparation, and education assistance at accredited institutions.

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