Health Services Research & Development

(08/17/18) Chief of Psychiatry - Hines, IL

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, a 1A facility located just outside Chicago, is seeking a full-time Chief of Psychiatry. With several nationally outstanding programs, Hines offers a wealth of clinical and academic opportunities within a professional, highly-collaborative culture. The position oversees the work of an exceptional group of clinicians that includes more than 40 psychiatrists and more than 50 total staff serving Hines and its six affiliated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The Psychiatry Chief is a key board-certified position and includes academic appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Loyola University. Hines provides clinical training for medical students and residents; two fellowships; and robust training programs in several disciplines. It also houses centers for large clinical trial research and for health services research. A minimum of 7 years training and experience are required. Proven administrative, academic, and research experience is highly desirable. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package. Submit inquiries and CV to Lakshmi Athota, MD (Lakshmi.Athota.@va.gov).

(08/13/18) Assistant or tenured Associate Professor of Mental Health Epidemiology - Los Angeles, CA

The UCLA Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health invites applications for a full-time, state-funded tenure-track Assistant or tenured Associate Professor of Epidemiology (https://epi.ph.ucla.edu). The ideal candidate will have a strong, emerging record of an innovative and productive research program in mental health epidemiology, including mental health, substance use, and/or psychiatric disorders, and a history of successful external funding, consistent with career stage. The successful candidate should also have a strong track record and dedication to teaching foundational and advanced epidemiology courses (e.g., introductory epidemiology, population health, measurement, research methods, and/or study design), as well as courses in the candidate’s specialty area. Since its inception, the UCLA Department of Epidemiology has established itself as a leader in epidemiologic theory and methods, applied epidemiology, and public health. We are looking for a candidate with excellence in research and dedication to teaching and training the next generation of epidemiologists in areas such as, but not limited to, epidemiologic studies of mental health and substance use, randomized clinical trials for psychiatric disorders, psychiatric genetics, psychopharmacology, mental health comorbidities with infectious or other chronic diseases, and/or mental health-related studies using “big data” (e.g., omics, electronic health records, administrative databases, internet-based data).

The Fielding School of Public Health is located on the main UCLA campus in direct proximity to the other health sciences schools (Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing), several professional schools, the Semel Institute, and the College of Letters and Science. The UCLA community has a rich history of and commitment to interdisciplinary research and collaboration, including partnerships with the VA. The Department also has strong research and training relations with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and national and international institutions.

Successful candidates must have (or be on track to conclude before July 1, 2019) a doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, MD, DrPH or equivalent) in Epidemiology or related field, demonstrable expertise and interest in epidemiologic research, evidence of excellence in teaching and training of pre- and/or post-doctoral students, peer-reviewed publications, and a demonstrated commitment to public health. Faculty appointment level and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is November 1, 2018 but the search remains open until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2019. Informal inquiries may be submitted to episearch@ph.ucla.edu.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

Please submit your applications at: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/apply/JPF03945

(08/10/18) Research Assistant - Seattle, WA

The Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC), a component of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP), is hiring two full-time entry-level Research Assistants (RA).

Interested in helping to enhance the health and care of our United States Veterans? Looking for meaningful work in a collaborative environment that produces innovative and effective solutions to Veteran and national healthcare problems through multi-site cooperative research studies?

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Provide daily operational/administrative support to meet research objectives.
• Conduct recruitment telephone calls to research participants
• Assemble informational and recruitment mailing packets to research participants
• Assist with the development of study materials, IRB documentation, and standard operating procedures
• Schedule and prepare materials and agendas for local and national meetings
• Assist with maintaining and updating study databases

To apply, send a cover letter and a resume to SeattleCSPEC@va.gov. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the positions are filled; however, materials will be considered starting August 20, 2018.

Ideal candidates for the advertised positions will have the following attributes:

• Candidates must be US citizens
• Experience with customer service, particularly by telephone
• Strong organizational skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Preferred attributes:

• BA/BS degree in physical or social sciences or a research-related field (Or AA/AS with related work experience)
• Experience with MS Access and REDCap

Salary will be based on the candidate's experience and education. Salaries for these positions range from grades GS-4 through GS-7. For more information about the Center's research, please visit the ERIC website, http://www.seattle.eric.research.va.gov. For more information about CSP and the VA Office of Research and Development, see the CSP website, http://www.research.va.gov/programs/csp/default.cfm.

(07/24/18) Social Worker (LICSW/LCSW) or Psychologist - Research/Chronic Illness - Location anywhere - telework position

POSITION PURPOSE
1. Be trained in a structured, manualized, interpersonal psychotherapy and behavioral activation-based counseling protocol
2. Provide in-person and phone counseling visits according to the counseling protocol
3. Complete research training and obtain appropriate credentials
4. Document counseling visits and other study related activities
5. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings Tuesdays 4-5 PM MST to discuss patient care and study activities
6. Assist other team members with understanding the study patients' psychosocial context in order to help formulate or modify care
7. Assess informal caregivers and provide study-related care and referrals to community resources
8. Assist the Principal Investigator or study team with administrative or other activities

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree or higher level of education in social work or psychology
2. License to practice; current Vetpro credentials strongly preferred
3. Experience providing short-term counseling/psychotherapy to people with medical illness. Experience using structured, short-term psychotherapy protocols useful but not necessary, although adherence to the therapy protocol will be important
4. VA research training up-to-date preferred.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a diverse team, including students, nurses, social workers, and physicians
6. Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills
7. Highly motivated to interact with chronically ill patients and their care providers
8. Ability to learn new computer systems quickly; working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Access and Excel
9. Experience caring for informal/family caregivers useful
10. Ability to obtain accurate psychosocial data, to record this data systematically, and to write clear, accurate, and concise notes and reports

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
1. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment and hospital.
2. Subject/Patient interaction
3. Extensive computer use

PLEASE SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER to David Bekelman, MD, MPH: david.bekelman@va.gov

(07/16/18) Statistician (PhD) - Durham, NC

The Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center in Durham, NC is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Statistician. The incumbent will have a wide range of responsibilities in providing data management and statistical expertise, as well as management of the Center’s Computational Sciences Core.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Direct and perform the management, analysis, and interpretation of data from administrative databases, surveys, and other data sources. Review results and code/programs (SAS, R, other) for validity and accuracy.
• Plan and execute data collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; apply statistical methods to provide inference and supporting information for development of research proposals, power and sample size calculations, internal reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• In partnership with clinical and health services project chairs, design and implement primary studies as well as secondary analysis of existing databases, including VA/non-VA medical system administrative databases, vital and health statistics, cross-sectional surveys, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, and case-control studies.
• Participate in the development of presentations, reports, manuscripts, and supporting documents for research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and additional activities as requested, for dissemination to team members, project leadership, Program leadership, and the wider VA and non-VA research community.
• In partnership with team members, design SQL databases and other infrastructure to support efficient and high-quality data collection and maintenance.
• Manage the allocation of staff effort to maintain adequate project support.
• Provide mentorship, advice, and general support of the professional development of Computational Core staff.
• Provide support for Center and Program quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree preferred; background in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, psychometrics, or related area. MS applicants with sufficient experience in applied statistics and management are also encouraged to apply.
• Excellent computer programming skills, especially with SAS or other statistical programs.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
• Must have ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills in both written and spoken English.

We offer a full benefits package and competitive salary. U.S. citizenship required. Please e-mail, mail or fax resume to:

Carrie May
Assistant Director-Operations, CSPEC-Durham
Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center – Durham
Durham VA Medical Center
508 Fulton Street (152)
Durham, NC 27705
Email: Carrie.May@va.gov

VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

(07/12/18) Deputy Director - Houston, TX

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX and Baylor College of Medicine are seeking qualified applicants for the position of Deputy Director, VA Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center for Innovations (COIN) in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt).

The Deputy Director is responsible for the administration of IQuESt's nationally-renowned multidisciplinary health services research and health policy program with an extensive portfolio of more than 100 research projects, 41 core investigators, a budget of over $16.9 million, and a training program for both MD and PhD postdoctoral researchers. Our program is truly multi-disciplinary with investigators who represent seven different academic departments and seven sections within the Department of Medicine including both clinicians and PhD social scientists from disciplines such as medical anthropology, human-factors engineering, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, oncology, surgery, psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and economics. Our work has contributed to 52 articles cited in 12 IOM reports; 83 briefs and reports to the President, Congress, and VA Secretary; 99 articles cited in 49 clinical guidelines for patient care; and five articles cited in three US Centers for Disease Control-recommended programs.

IQuESt also has a robust mentoring and career development curriculum as part of a formal health services research (HSR) educational program, overseen by the Education and Training Core. In the last 15 years, 70 CDAs have been funded (eight are current). In addition to our own HSR fellowships, we partner with other postdoctoral training programs to train PhDs and clinicians in HSR. Currently, 17 fellows engaged in HSR reside at IQuESt. More details about IQuESt website.

The Deputy Director will maintain a close liaison with other research Centers and investigators. The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership in two major areas:

• First, carry out his/her own independent, high quality, nationally funded researchprogram in health services research and health policy, preferably within our missionand goals. The successful candidate will be expected to meet the qualifications ofthe academic affiliate at the level of Associate Professor or higher by demonstratingevidence of research productivity, success in obtaining external grant funding, andskill in mentoring junior investigators and Fellows.
• Second, provide administrative and research leadership that promotes the careersof young investigators and fosters the career promotion and satisfaction of mid andsenior level researchers. In this capacity, the incumbent will be expected to oversee the structure and function of key aspects of IQuESt's administrative operations, including but not limited to assistance in making administrative decisions as to the appropriate staffing and allocation of IQuESt resources to individual and collaborative projects and developing strategic plans for future research.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• MD or PhD.
• Background and experience in health services research.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work inan interdisciplinary environment.

Open and closing dates: 7/12/2018 07/11/2019

BCM and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employers.

Please forward CV and letter of interest in confidence to:
Laura A. Petersen, MD, MPH, FACP
Director, HSR&D, Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt)
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center VAMC, HSR&D (152)
2002 Holcombe Blvd., Houston TX 77030

You may also view this position on the USAjobs website:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/504889200

(07/02/18) MS Biostatistician - Seattle, WA

The Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is recruiting one or more master’s-level Biostatisticians to work with an experienced and growing group of researchers committed to high-quality epidemiologic research using large, complex health data to address Veterans health issues. The Center is one of five epidemiologic centers within the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP), prioritizing a collegial, collaborative, learning-based research environment.

The Center is recruiting for a full-time statistical position to support the core research mission of the ERIC, which is to coordinate and conduct large observational, epidemiologic research studies of Veterans and Veteran twins, specifically addressing deployment, environmental, genetic, and clinical exposures. The position provides biostatistical support to Center studies under the supervision of the PhD Biostatistician. Primary scientific responsibilities will be the application of statistical methods to support observational health research including the design, analysis, interpretation, and documentation phases.

Key Duties:

• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, the PhD Biostatistician, and other scientific staff in the selection of appropriate study designs and analyses to address research on Veteran-related health issues;
• Assist with data analysis plans and perform advanced statistical analyses of observational data from multiple sources including VA administrative data, pharmacy data, genetic and genomic data, and correlated data from twin studies;
• Prepare statistical and scientific reports and work with other scientific staff to publish the findings in peer-review journals;
• Collaborate with biostatisticians and other scientific staff at other VA epidemiologic research centers.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a minimum of a master’s-level degree in biostatistics, statistics, or a closely related field. The applicant must be proficient in standard statistical software packages, such as R, SAS, and Stata. Excellent communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to work effectively in a team setting. Familiarity with VA data systems, health care data, twin research, statistical genetics, and with gene expression and genomic data are also desired qualities.

Candidates must be US citizens. Depending on the candidate’s experience, the target salary will range from grades GS-11 through GS-12.

Contact:

Please send a cover letter and resume to SeattleCSPEC@va.gov . Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, materials will be considered starting June 26, 2018.

For more information about the Seattle ERIC, please see www.seattle.eric.research.va.gov .

(05/22/18) Psychiatrist/Mental Health Services Researcher - Little Rock, AR

The UAMS Department of Psychiatry, Division of Health Services Research (DHSR) and the VA Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research (CeMHOR) located in Little Rock, AR are seeking mid- to senior-level psychiatrist researchers to expand our team. DHSR and CeMHOR investigators conduct health services and implementation science research to improve health and healthcare for persons with mental health and substance use disorders. Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly achievement and extramural research funding in mental health and substance use disorders. We are particularly interested in individuals with research experience in suicide prevention, access to care in vulnerable populations, opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and implementation science.  The appointment will be at the level of Associate or Full Professor, tenure or non-tenure appointment, consistent with the qualifications of the candidate. The position can include serving as the Associate Director for CeMHOR, a VA-funded health services research center for over 25 years.

The successful candidate will have the ability or potential to effectively lead research teams and to collaborate with investigators across a wide range of disciplines. An active program of scholarship and publication is essential. For more senior scholars a track record of externally-funded research and for more junior scholars, clear potential and prospects for attracting extramural funding are important. All inquiries will be handled in strict confidence and should be accompanied by a CV and a letter of inquiry.

To apply, please send indication of interest and CV to:  Bridgette Larkin at blarkin@uams.edu

Contact Information:

Teresa Hudson, PharmD, PhD.
Associate Professor
Director, Division of Health Services Research
Psychiatric Research Institute
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine
4301 West Markham, Slot #554
Little Rock, AR 72205
P: (501) 526-8130 F: (501) 526-8199 http://psychiatry.uams.edu/

(04/24/18) Director, Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation - Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta VA Medical Center seeks a new Director for its Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR; funded by VA Rehabilitation Research and Development). The CVNR, one of 13 VA Rehab R&D Centers across the nation, has a 30 year history of continuous VA support for its mission to foster the health and well-being of Veterans through uniquely synergistic research impacting visual or neurocognitive function. The CVNR engages over 20 MD, PhD, or MD/PhD scientists in innovative research ranging from basic molecular studies to translational interventions in patients. The center currently receives over $4 million per year in VA support plus an additional $12 million per year from other sources. The Director will: 1) be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CVNR in collaboration with the Associate Directors and support staff, 2) provide scientific guidance to CVNR colleagues, 3) mentor junior investigators, 4) ensure high-quality grant development, 5) collaborate effectively with VA operational partners, 6) continue to elevate the CVNR’s national profile, and 7) develop a strategic vision in collaboration with its investigators and staff that propels the CVNR forward to continued success in achieving its mission and serving the needs of veteran patients.

Applicants for this position must possess a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent) and have extensive experience in research related to visual or neurocognitive rehabilitation. Successful candidates will have a strong track record of extramural grant funding from VA, Department of Defense, or NIH sources, as well as a strong background in mentorship of junior investigators. Prior leadership experience and knowledge of VA funding mechanisms is preferred. More information about the CVNR can be found at: http://www.varrd.emory.edu/.

The Atlanta VA Medical Center is affiliated with outstanding academic affiliates, including Emory University and Morehouse University, and candidates will be appointed at the Associate or Full Professor level, commensurate with experience. Opportunities for participation/leadership within affiliate academic departments may also be available.

Interested candidates should contact:

C. Michael Hart, MD
Associate Chief of Staff for Research
Atlanta VA Medical Center:
1670 Clairmont Road (151-P)
Decatur, GA 30033
michael.hart3@va.gov
(404) 321-6111, ext. 6170 (phone)

The Atlanta VA Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.

(03/27/18) Program Manager – Chief of the Behavioral Science Core (GS-14) - Waco, TX

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans at the Central Texas VA Medical Center is accepting applications for the Chief of our Behavioral Science Core. In addition to conducting his/her own research, the individual in this role will supervise a team of four principal investigators, 6-8 psychology technicians, and numerous trainees, all of whom are conducting research designed to improve the lives of Veterans returning from recent deployments to warzones. Competitive applicants will demonstrate a successful track record in obtaining extramural funding and have a strong publication history. This is a full-time, permanent position with the Veterans Health Administration.

ABOUT THE CENTER

The VISN 17 Center of Excellence (CoE) for Research on Returning War Veterans is a unified scientific and educational institution of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs designed to conduct state-of-the-art research on the mental health problems associated with combat exposure, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorders, depression, suicide, and chronic pain. Its state-of-the-art facility provides space for 75 staff members and faculty and features clinical space, observation rooms, wet labs, electrocardiography (EKG), electroencephalography (EEG), a three Tesla MRI for brain imaging, and a transcranial magnetic stimulation suite (TMS). Their team is also training the next generation of clinical scientists who will continue to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through world-class clinical care.

TO APPLY

Please contact the Director, Dr. Michael Russell at michael.russell5@va.gov or 254-297-3850.

This position will be open until filled.

(03/21/18) Mid- to senior-level researchers - Charleston, SC

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC is currently searching for experienced mid- to senior-level researchers to expand our team at the Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC). Applicants for this position must possess a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent) and have extensive experience in health services research in areas relevant to HEROIC foci. Candidates must have a strong track record of extramural grant funding that includes VA, DoD, and NIH sources. Prior experience leading VA HSR&D-funded studies and knowledge of VA funding mechanisms is strongly preferred.

HEROIC is one of 19 nationally funded VA HSR&D Centers of Innovation (COIN) aimed at increasing the impact of health services research on the health and healthcare of Veterans. HEROIC's mission is to improve access and equity in healthcare for all Veterans by eliminating geographic, racial/ethnic, and gender-based disparities. To accomplish this, HEROIC focuses on three areas of research: Health Equity, Access to Care, and Rural Health. HEROIC is comprised of a dedicated multidisciplinary team of 24 doctorally-trained core investigators conducting cutting-edge research through a diverse portfolio of grants.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center enjoys a collegial and highly successful relationship with our academic affiliate, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and candidates will be eligible for faculty appointment at MUSC at the Associate Professor or Full Professor level commensurate with experience. Opportunities also exist for participation and/or leadership within the MUSC Center for Health Disparities Research housed in the MUSC Department of Medicine, as well as in other departments such as Psychiatry, Population Health Sciences, or Surgery as appropriate.

The position is located in Charleston, SC - tucked along the Atlantic coastline and amid the ever-bustling harbor. Rated America’s best travel destination by Condé Nast, Charleston houses various art galleries, boutiques, and historic sites. Interested candidates should contact R. Neal Axon, HEROIC Director, at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center:

Research Service
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
109 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Robert.Axon@va.gov
(843)789-6670 (phone)

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.

(01/21/18) Director, CHOIR Bedford - Bedford, MA

Edith Nourse Rogers VA in Bedford, MA seeks a dynamic, academically oriented leader for its Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation (COIN) jointly based at Edith Nourse Rogers VA and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA. The COIN - the Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR) - contains an extensive portfolio (in FY15) of 88 funded research projects and programs, with a total annual budget of over $13 million. The 52 doctorally-trained core investigators at CHOIR are highly productive academically and contribute to a large, vibrant pre- and post-doctoral training program for both MD and PhD researchers.

Potential candidates will be senior MD investigators with scholarly expertise in health services research and/or one or more of its many constituent fields, with leadership and administrative experience, and with a strong, proven track-record of obtaining peer-reviewed funding. The position will be a full-time appointment based at the Bedford campus. Candidates should hold, or be eligible for academic appointment as a Professor or Associate Professor at Boston University or University of Massachusetts Medical School. Full salary and benefits package are competitive and commensurate with experience. A recruitment incentive is approved.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will be accepted until the position is filled.

See complete details and application procedures.

(01/15/18) Deputy Director, Seattle ERIC - Seattle, WA

The Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is conducting an open search for a Deputy Director to lead designated Center scientific and administrative responsibilities. The Seattle ERIC is based at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, and is 1 of 4 epidemiologic research centers in the national VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP). The scientific portfolio of the Center includes 4 CSP studies: (1) Vietnam-Era Twin (VET) Registry, a register of 14,632 male-male twins with large and expanding data and biospecimen repositories; (2) National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment/Longitudinal Study (NVVR/LS), a longitudinal study of male and female Veterans; (3) Millennium Cohort VA Follow-Up Study, a Department of Defense collaboration of deployment health of those served after 2000; and (4) Pulmonary Health and Deployment to Southwest Asia and Afghanistan, a multi-site cohort study of deployment airborne hazards and pulmonary health. Also included in the portfolio are Seattle ERIC investigator-initiated research programs funded by VA and by the National Institutes of Health.

The duties of the Deputy Director are multi-fold and include the following:

1. Assume responsibilities of the Associate Director of Scientific Operations, a role responsible for the oversight and integration of the Center’s analytic activities with its research activities. The Associate Director of Scientific Operations will bring epidemiologic scientific expertise to the research program and will help assure high-quality science and project successes.
2. Assume administrative leadership and scientific leadership of the Vietnam-Era Twin (VET) Registry and the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment/Longitudinal Study.
3. Provide leadership to new and ongoing CSP initiatives. This includes the Integrated Veteran Epidemiologic Study Data Resource (INVESTD-R), a CSP Epidemiologic Research Analytics (ERA) program currently being developed, and new initiatives to better integrate epidemiologic research with the mission of the VA.
4. In the absence of the Center Director, serve as the primary liaison with VA Central Office and direct all Center activities.
5. Other administrative and leadership responsibilities that may be assigned to fulfill the mission of the CSP Center.

Ideal candidates will have the following attributes:

• Doctoral-level training in epidemiology or a related field
• 5 or more years of experience conducting independent epidemiologic research in areas related to the health of Veterans, such as:
  • Chronic diseases
  • Mental health
  • Genetics
• Understanding of the VA research program and VA health care
• Strong analytic knowledge and skills
• Ability to think critically about scientific and administrative planning and execution
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

The position is full-time (1.00 FTE). Candidates must be US citizens. Education and experience will be evaluated by VA Human Resources to determine if the top candidate meets the criteria for GS-13 position. Salary information for the General Schedule is available on the Office of Personnel Management website at opm.gov.

Please send a cover letter and resume to SeattleCSPEC@va.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, materials received by January 26, 2018 will be considered first.

For more information about the Seattle ERIC, please see seattle.eric.research.va.gov.

(06/29/18) Physician Career and Research Training Fellowship - Chicago, IL

The University of Illinois at Chicago has recently established a new fellowship program titled, Clinical Leaders and Academic Scholars (CLASS) and is recruiting a small number of outstanding graduates from ACGME accredited internal medicine and family medicine programs to enroll in July 2019. The fellowship director, Dr. Saul Weiner, is also  Deputy Director of the VA Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Health Care (CINCCH), an HSR&D Center of Innovation. Faculty include Dr. Frances Weaver, CINCCH Director.

The program, which is based the at the University of Illinois at Chicago, affiliated with Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, was established with three tracks to provide early career physicians with intensive training to jump start their careers in one of three areas: as (a) future education leaders (e.g. program directors, associate deans), (b) clinical service leaders (e.g. chief medical officers), or (c) clinician research scientists. 

The education and clinical service tracks are just one year. The research track is two years. Those in the education track complete a for-credit certificate program in Health Professions Education.  Those in the clinical services track complete a Certificate in Patient Safety, Error Science and Full Disclosure. Those in the research track complete the MS in Clinical and Translational Science. In addition, each fellow has a mentored project with a senior leader or expert at UIC or at VA CINCCH.  All participate in seminars related to career development and skill building topics. 

Fellows will commit 0.25 FTE to clinical time within their home department at UIC (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine).  The fellow’s stipend will be set at the PGY-6 level each year (even if they are coming from a PGY-3 or 4 position), and tuition will be covered  for the certificate program into which they enroll. 

Interested residents or junior attendings may contact Dr. Weiner directly at sweiner@uic.edu or saul.weiner@va.gov.

(04/11/18) Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship in Interprofessional Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Research for Associated Health Professionals - Washington, DC

Overview: The Interprofessional Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Research (P/TBI) Fellowship at the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DC VAMC) is recruiting associated health professionals for a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship program. The P/TBI Fellowship at the DC VAMC reflects the high VA priority to address the complex rehabilitation of injured active duty service members. The primary goal of this fellowship program is to develop clinician-investigators with the appropriate research skills and clinical expertise to advance P/TBI rehabilitation who may assume positions of leadership across the country in the service of Veterans with polytrauma.

Program Description: This interdisciplinary program aims to train associated health professionals for an academic research career with a focus on the rehabilitation of Veterans with polytrauma and/or acquired brain injury. These aims will be achieved by providing: 1) structured career development training, 2) formal clinical and research mentorship, 3) access to the equipment, human capital, and other resources associated with a strong clinical research environment, 4) a comprehensive, individualized fellowship training curriculum, and 5) protected research time in close collaboration with a P/TBI investigator. Fellowship candidates with professional licensure will allocate 25% of their time to participate in clinical rotations within the PM&R Service. Additional program guidance is provided by the P/TBI Fellowship Directors and Advisory Board, and peer-to-peer interaction is facilitated through the Fellows’ Forum seminar series. Fellows will receive a salary, health benefits, and an annual research stipend.

How to Apply: Interested associated health professionals who meet the eligibility requirements should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to Michael Harris-Love, DSc (Michael.Harris-Love@va.gov). The cover letter should specify the reasons for your interest in the fellowship program, a brief overview of your previous clinical and research experiences, a succinct statement of your research interest, and how the fellowship program may aid your professional and career goals. Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Associated health professional fellows must be U.S. citizens.

(04/03/18) Postdoctoral Health Services Research Fellowship Opportunity - Providence, RI

Unique interdisciplinary fellowship training opportunities in Health Services Research are available in Providence Veterans Affairs' Center of Innovation (COIN) for Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) for Vulnerable Veterans.

Funded by the Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) service of the Department of Veterans Affairs, our Center's vision is to stimulate and develop partnered health services research that will enhance access, quality and value of LTSS for Veterans with medical and/or psychosocial vulnerabilities and facilitate the implementation of programs to support the mission of VA's GEC service in maximizing Veterans' social participation and quality of life in the least restrictive setting possible. The primary goal of the COIN-LTSS is to advance the science in LTSS for Veteran and other populations with medical and/or psychosocial vulnerabilities.

Our program aims to train both physician and non-physician researchers to become successful independent investigators in health services research and health system improvement, to give trainees didactic as well as "hands-on" supervised experience in health services research, and to teach health services research methods as well as content material relevant to gerontology, long term care, and chronic disease management. Post-doctoral fellows will have the opportunity to participate in on-going research in one or more substantive areas, including chronic disease management, long-term care, quality of care, community-based systems of care, organization of health care delivery, health care disparities, and methodological approaches to comparative effectiveness research. We have a robust mentoring program to promote the career development of our fellowship trainees.

Located at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island, the COIN-LTSS works closely with its partners, the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service (GEC), the GEC Data & Analysis Center (GEC DAC) and the Brown University Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research. Many of our faculty hold joint appointments with Brown University and are nationally and internationally renowned for their work in health services research and policy.

The COIN-LTSS Fellowship program welcomes applications from those with a previous doctoral degree, such as a PhD or MD. The position requirements for a post-doctoral fellowship are: MD and continuation of basic clinical training, or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in health services research, sociology, epidemiology, economics or other related field. Term of appointment is for one year, renewable contingent upon funding.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information, please contact Dawn Mello 401-273-7100 ext. 6222 or Dawn.Mello@va.gov.

(01/24/18) Post-residency Fellowship for Psychiatrists - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA

The Greater Los Angeles VA Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) is recruiting psychiatrists for a one-year post-residency training program in quality and safety, to begin Summer, 2018. The VA Chief Residents in Quality and Patient Safety (CRQS) program is a national program that redesigns medical education and patient care to include quality and patient safety. Positions are funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) in partnership with the VA National Center for Patient Safety. The Greater Los Angeles VA Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center has positions in Psychiatry. This program aims to train physicians for an academic research career with a focus on quality and safety. Candidates must have completed their residency training and be U.S. citizens. The CRQS provides specialized training and experience, including a national curriculum and boot camp, a mentored project, and opportunities to participate in affiliated research training programs and seminars. More information about CRQS can be found at https://www.va.gov/oaa/crqs.asp. Interested professionals who meet the eligibility requirements should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Alexander Young at Alexander.Young@va.gov. The cover letter should specify the reasons for your interest in this particular training program, a brief overview of your previous experiences, and how you see this program promoting your professional and career goals. In addition, three letters of recommendation should be sent via email directly from the letter writers.

(01/22/18) Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunities in Health Services Research (MD, PhD) - Gainesville and Tampa, FL

The Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (CINDRR) will provide content expertise, mentoring, and educational infrastructure in Gainesville, FL (affiliated with the University of Florida) and Tampa, FL (affiliated with the University of South Florida) for PhDs interested in pursuing careers in VA health services research in rehabilitation. CINDRR is dedicated to conducting research that identifies, develops, and tests strategies for improving Veteran rehabilitation services across the continuum of care and providing long term support for Veterans with disabilities and their families, including issues related to access, utilization, cost, quality, and health outcomes. Focus areas include (1) Innovative rehabilitation through the use of technology and engagement among Veterans, families, clinicians and communities; (2) Rehabilitation Analytics Research and (3) Implementation Research.

CINDRR offers a 2 year HSR&D post-doctoral fellowship for researchers and physicians interested in pursuing careers in VA Rehabilitation Health Services Research.

In addition, the Tampa location of CINDRR provides a 1 year Patient Safety post-doctoral fellowship to develop leaders with vision, knowledge, and commitment to lead patient safety efforts in collaboration with the James A. Haley VA Hospital and the University of South Florida.

For details go to http://tinyurl.com/je3cfy7.