The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) in our National Center office located in Dallas, TX (Home-Based/Remote is acceptable).  

The Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) provides direction and guidance to numerous US-based and international practicing physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals who volunteer their clinical and research expertise to the Association. Through strong interpersonal and leadership skills and the SMA’s broad general knowledge of cardiovascular care and science, the SMA works with the science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, online and face-to-face educational programs, responses to proposed advocacy and policy stances for the Association, and other activities that involve input from clinical and research experts. 

In addition, the SMA serves as the in-house expert and resource to other Association staff members who are developing Association programs and projects (e.g., patient programs on atrial fibrillation or women’s health, press releases to the national news media describing new breakthroughs, and review of Association website materials).  

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

• Guide and partner with science volunteers (clinicians, researchers, and scientists) in the creation of American Heart Association scientific statements, advisories, guidelines, conference programming, early career mentoring experiences, and the integration of these into other Association activities and programs. 

• Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on science aspects to internal Association staff who develop and maintain public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, and marketing materials with health and science implications and other public-facing activities. 

• Work with teams to help review content for Association professional websites and products. 

• Synthesize, analyze, and explain (verbally and in written communication) to lay professionals and internal Association staff the current state of science and medicine in their portfolios, as well as the implications these have for the Association.  

Want to help get your resume to the top? Take a look at the experience we require: 

• Bachelor's Degree in a biomedical or health-related field with a strong foundation in cardiovascular disciplines or equivalent experience 
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated expertise in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, physiology, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, or systems biology relevant to cardiovascular science. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in academic or clinical settings involving basic and translational research. Superior writing & communication skills with a publication history in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team. 
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints. 
• Ability to understand, integrate, and summarize scientific literature. 
• Ability to manage high-level international volunteers with clinical and research backgrounds. 
• Must be able to travel overnight for approx. 25% of the time.  

Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for: 

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in a biomedical or health-related field with a strong foundation in cardiovascular disciplines. 
• 8 years of relevant experience 
• American Heart Association Scientific Council Professional Member. 
• Experience in volunteer management. 
• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems. 
• Staff position experience in a not-for-profit and/or government sector or an active committee/ Board/ officer member in a professional member society. (preferred). 

The expected pay range will be $110,000 to $120,000.  Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of position
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.