Job Summary
The Nurse Scientist serves as a strategic leader and research expert dedicated to advancing evidence-based nursing practice across Baylor Scott & White Health. This role partners with nursing leadership, clinical teams, and interdisciplinary stakeholders to cultivate a culture of inquiry, innovation, and continuous improvement through nursing research.
The Nurse Scientist mentors and educates nurses throughout the research process-from identifying clinical questions and developing research studies to disseminating findings and implementing evidence-based practice changes. This position is instrumental in engaging nursing leaders and frontline staff, building research capabilities, promoting professional development, and translating research into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and nursing practice.
Essential Functions
Partner with nursing executives, directors, managers, educators, and frontline staff to identify clinical priorities and develop nursing research initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
Mentor nurses and interdisciplinary teams through all phases of the research process, including study design, protocol development, Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, implementation, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results.
Develop and deliver education, workshops, and training programs that build nursing research knowledge, evidence-based practice competencies, and scholarly engagement.
Foster a culture of research, inquiry, and innovation by encouraging participation in nursing research and quality improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with nursing leaders to integrate current evidence and research findings into clinical practice, policies, and patient care standards.
Evaluate emerging evidence and best practices to identify opportunities that improve quality, patient outcomes, and operational effectiveness.
Lead or support publication efforts, conference presentations, and dissemination of research findings internally and externally.
Assist with identifying grant opportunities and developing competitive grant proposals to support nursing research and innovation.
Ensure all research activities comply with regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines.
Build collaborative relationships with physicians, academic institutions, interdisciplinary departments, and external research partners to advance nursing science.
Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for evidence-based practice, nursing research methodology, and implementation science.
Key Success Factors
Advanced knowledge of nursing research methodologies, evidence-based practice, implementation science, and quality improvement.
Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop nurses and nursing leaders in research and scholarly activities.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills with experience teaching diverse audiences.
Ability to influence change and build engagement across multidisciplinary teams.
Experience translating research findings into clinical practice improvements.
Knowledge of statistical analysis, research design, and data interpretation.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing.
Experience with grant writing and securing research funding is highly desirable.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
Strong critical thinking, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Doctorate (PhD, DNP, or equivalent) in Nursing or related field.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in nursing research, evidence-based practice, academic nursing, or clinical research.
Licensure
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading nursing research studies within an acute care or integrated healthcare system.
Demonstrated success mentoring nurses, nurse leaders, or interdisciplinary teams in research and evidence-based practice.
Experience developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and research training.
Publication history in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at professional conferences.
Grant writing experience and success obtaining research funding.
Experience collaborating with academic institutions or research organizations.
Knowledge of IRB processes, research compliance, and ethical standards.
Experience with statistical software and research analytics.
About Us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
We never settle by constantly striving for better.
We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
Eligibility on day 1 for all benefits
Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match, up to 5%
Debt-free tuition assistance, offering access to many no-cost and low-cost degrees, certificates and more
Immediate access to time off benefits
At Baylor Scott & White Health, your well-being is our top priority.
Note: Benefits may vary based on position @type and/or level
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported, and that our workforce should be reflective of the communities we serve.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION - Doctorate
MAJOR - Nursing
MAJOR - Philosophy or Related Field
EXPERIENCE - (5) five years of experience
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION - Registered Nurse (RN)
As a health care system committed to improving the health of those we serve, we are asking our employees to model the same behaviours that we promote to our patients. As of January 1, 2012, Baylor Scott & White Health no longer hires individuals who use nicotine products. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
