The Nursing Research Scientist is a doctoral-prepared nurse leader responsible for advancing nursing science, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and clinical innovation within the academic medical center. This role collaborates with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teams, academic partners, and frontline clinicians to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate nursing research and evidence-based initiatives that improve patient outcomes, nursing practice, operational performance, and the professional practice environment.
The Nursing Research Scientist serves as a mentor, consultant, educator, and change agent to support the integration of research and evidence into clinical care delivery across the organization.
Reports to Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Jean Cunningham Department of Nursing.
Job Description:Essential responsibilities, including but not limited to:Research and Scholarly Inquiry- Develops and leads nursing and interprofessional research programs aligned with organizational strategic priorities and clinical outcomes.
- Designs, conducts, and evaluates research studies related to nursing practice, patient care delivery, workforce outcomes, and healthcare innovation.
- Facilitates the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice to improve patient safety, quality, and operational effectiveness.
- Identifies emerging trends in nursing science, healthcare delivery, technology, and population health relevant to the organization.
- Supports publication and dissemination of scholarly work through presentations, manuscripts, conferences, and professional forums.
- Collaborates with institutional review boards (IRB), research administration, and academic partners to ensure regulatory compliance and ethical research conduct.
Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement- Leads and supports evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives across clinical departments and service lines.
- Provides consultation to nursing staff, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary teams regarding research methodology, literature review, data interpretation, and project design.
- Integrates quality improvement methodologies and implementation science into nursing and operational initiatives.
- Assists clinical teams in identifying practice gaps, evaluating outcomes, and sustaining evidence-based changes.
Education and Mentorship- Mentors nurses, nurse leaders, advanced practice providers, and students in research, EBP, and scholarly activities.
- Develops educational programs to strengthen research literacy, critical appraisal skills, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
- Supports professional development related to nursing scholarship, certification, academic progression, and clinical inquiry.
- Serves as faculty liaison or adjunct collaborator with affiliated academic institutions as appropriate.
Leadership and Collaboration- Collaborates with executive nursing leadership to advance the organization's professional practice model and strategic nursing priorities.
- Participates in nursing councils, academic committees, research committees, and interdisciplinary workgroups.
- Promotes a culture of inquiry, innovation, continuous learning, and professional excellence throughout the organization.
- Contributes to Magnet® designation, accreditation activities, and regulatory readiness related to nursing research and professional practice.
- Partners with operational and clinical leaders to evaluate workforce trends, care models, and clinical outcomes through data-driven analysis.
Data and Outcomes Management- Utilizes qualitative and quantitative methodologies to evaluate patient, nursing, and organizational outcomes.
- Interprets and communicates findings from clinical, operational, and research data to diverse audiences.
- Collaborates with informatics, analytics, and operational teams to support measurement strategies and outcome reporting.
- Monitors and evaluates the impact of nursing interventions and evidence-based initiatives on patient care and organizational performance.
Qualifications:Education- Doctoral degree in Nursing (PhD or DNP) required.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing required.
Licensure and Certification- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practitioner in Massachusetts required.
- Specialty certification in nursing practice, research, leadership, or related field preferred.
Professional experience:- Minimum of 6 years of progressive clinical nursing experience required.
- Prior experience in mentorship of nursing research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or academic scholarship required.
- Experience in an academic medical center, teaching hospital, or complex healthcare system preferred.
- Demonstrated record of scholarly dissemination including publications, presentations, grants, or research leadership preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Advanced knowledge of nursing research methodologies, implementation science, and evidence-based practice frameworks.
- Strong analytical, statistical, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to mentor and educate clinicians across multiple levels of practice.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and project management abilities.
- Knowledge of regulatory, ethical, and compliance requirements related to human subjects research.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a complex, interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
- Proficiency with data analysis, literature databases, and healthcare informatics systems.
Working Conditions:- Primarily hospital and office-based environment.
- Limited remote working when approved by CNO.
- May require attendance at conferences, professional meetings, and academic collaborations.
- Flexibility to support organizational initiatives, educational programs, and research activities outside standard business hours as needed.
Pay Range: $165,000.00 USD - $215,000.00 USD
The pay range listed for this position is the annual base salary range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law.
