OPS OPERATIONS REVIEW SPECIALIST - 64858488

 Pay Plan: [[custSubGroup]]

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPS

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The position of Cancer Research Consultant provides specialized, part-time, advisory and technical support on an as needed basis to the Florida Department of Health's cancer research grant programs, including but not limited to the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. This position plays a critical role in bridging the gap between scientific research and public health decision-making by translating complex oncological and biomedical research findings into accessible language for non-scientific audiences, supporting rigorous evaluation of grant applications, and advising on return on investment (ROI) and performance measurement frameworks for state cancer funded research initiatives.

This position requires a seasoned professional with deep expertise in oncology, cancer research methodology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field, combined with strong analytical and written communication skills. The position will collaborate closely with the Director of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management, the Public Health Research Section, program staff, and external council members and review panels to ensure that Florida's cancer research investments yield meaningful, measurable public health impact.

Key responsibilities include translating peer-reviewed cancer research findings, grant proposals, and technical reports into plain-language summaries for use by Department and program leadership and other stakeholders as required.

Preparing accessible briefs, one-pagers, and talking points that accurately convey the scientific significance, potential impact, and limitations of cancer research projects.

Reviewing as required cancer research grant applications for scientific merit, methodological rigor, innovation, and alignment with program priorities. Providing as required written assessments and scores for assigned applications, including evaluation of study design, qualifications of the research team, feasibility, and potential public health impact.

Advising on criteria development and rubric refinement for future funding cycles to ensure consistency, equity, and rigor in the review process. Identifying gaps, redundancies, and emerging research priorities within state funded cancer research programs.

The position will also be required to assist with the development and application of evaluation frameworks for assessing the short and long-term return on investment for cancer research grant programs, including scientific output, clinical translation, workforce development, and health outcomes indicators. The position will advise on the selection and definition of key performance indicators appropriate for evaluating biomedical research investments.

The position will be required to prepare ROI analyses, grant evaluations, and performance reports for senior leadership and legislative audiences. Benchmark Florida's cancer research programs against peer state programs and national best practices.

Provide ad hoc scientific and technical guidance to program staff on questions related to cancer biology, clinical oncology, research methodology, and emerging scientific developments.

Participate in meetings, working groups, and consultations as requested by the Division Director and Bureau Chief.

Conflict of interest: The Cancer Research Consultant shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest prior to engagement and on an ongoing basis. The consultant may not review applications from organizations with which they have a financial, professional, or personal relationship. Compliance with applicable Florida ethics statutes and Department of Health conflict of interest policies is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrated experience reviewing grant applications or serving on scientific review panels.

Proven ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-technical audiences in written and verbal formats.

Experience with research evaluation, program assessment, or performance measurement frameworks.

Proficiency with literature review, scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov), and standard office productivity tools.

Proven record in oncology research.

Qualifications:

Minimum

Doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent) in oncology, cancer biology, biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in cancer research, oncology, or biomedical research program management.

Preferred

Experience with state or federally funded research grant programs.

Familiarity with Florida's cancer burden, health, and state public health priorities.

Experience developing ROI frameworks or economic analyses for research investments.

Experience with Lean Six Sigma or quality improvement methodologies applied to program evaluation.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Remote - Optional

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements.  Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.