(11/25/22) Research Associate (GS-9) - Portand, OR

CLINICAL RESEARCH
Research Associate (GS-9)
Starting salary: $58,560 + benefits, depending on education and experience
Full-time

Position Summary

We are seeking a knowledgeable, independent, and motivated candidate for a full-time Research Associate position to assist Principal Investigators (PI), in the VA HSRD Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC) with multiple projects intended to advance the scientific understanding of issues related to common and important health care problems and conditions that affect Veterans.  We are looking for candidates with interest in a breadth of research from retrospective data review to prospective clinical research.  Studies will include multiple projects addressing new technology. These include database analysis utilizing machine based learning and artificial intelligence to add to our understanding of surgical risk for patients, as well as cardiovascular technology in the form of a wearable sensor for remote monitoring utilizing mathematical modeling to identify patients at risk for worsening of patient’s heart failure to improve their clinical management.

Research Environment

This position is located at the VA Portland Health Care System’s Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC) (https://www.portlandcoin.research.va.gov/). CIVIC’s mission is to conduct research that empowers veterans to improve their health through engagement in self-care, engagement with VA and non-VA healthcare systems, and engagement in the research process.

The VA HSRD CIVIC is a research center housed at the VA Portland Health Care System with strong ties to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The CIVIC community is committed to developing, fostering, and retaining a diverse workforce. We seek applicants who have experience working with diverse communities and on diverse teams. In addition, we seek candidates who have experience engaging, communicating with, and incorporating perspectives from multiple diverse or underrepresented communities into research.

This study team values individuals at all points in their career trajectories and is committed to fostering the professional growth of its staff. Within CIVIC, and the broader VA and OHSU communities, there are many opportunities for continuing education and training related to a broad variety of topics. Such opportunities include OHSU Departmental Grand Rounds or larger events, research in progress meetings, CIVIC conferences, analyst drop-in sessions, qualitative forums, funding for participation in external training opportunities (e.g., workshops, conference attendance), and more.  Within our team, we have multiple ongoing projects and collaborations with other investigators that provide opportunities for additional data analysis, data collection, and cross-team experiences to support motivated staff in reaching professional development goals.

This position is eligible for teleworking, early, late, or compressed work schedules, a transit pass if applicable, as well as paid vacation, sick leave, and a range of healthcare and retirement benefits. 

Responsibilities

The research associate will be responsible to assist the PIs in achieving research aims and project objectives. Obligations will correspond and depend on experience and may include any/or all the following:

• Developing standard operating procedures and ensuring that project activities are conducted with fidelity to research protocol.
• Managing the day-to-day study activities as well as study milestones to meet project objectives.
• Maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other regulatory compliance correspondence.
• Recruiting and consenting/enrolling participants.
• Managing participant enrollment and progress through study activities.
• Ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Coordinating with multiple partners and collaborators, organizing meetings, and helping to guide project activities.
• Abstracting data from databases.
• Contributing to the writing and preparation of scholarly manuscripts for scientific journals and presentations of study findings at professional meetings in collaboration with the PI.
• Helping develop grant submissions/resubmissions.
• Assisting with budget management.
• Additional administrative tasks as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

Required Skills (address these in your Cover Letter or discuss transferrable skills)

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience working in human subjects and quantitative research
• Experience working on prior research studies as a research assistant/associate or in similar position
  • Can include in your Cover Letter how your work in a prior position is transferrable in a research setting if you have limited research experience
• Ability to multitask and prioritize projects along with rigorous attention to detail and record keeping
• Resourcefulness and sound professional/ethnical/clinical judgment
• Strong conceptual, analytic, oral, and written communication skills
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern projects, including those specific to research-based projects (e.g., IRB)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite database software such as Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
  • Consider addressing in your Cover Letter, any experience working with diverse populations
• Must be a US citizen (US Federal Government-funded position)

Additional Skills (preferred, but not required to apply)

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., M.P.H., M.S., M.A.)
• Experience working with large patient-level databases
• Experience writing and contributing to manuscripts
  • Or experience writing reports or summaries that effectively present findings
• Experience using data management systems and/or electronic health records
• Experience developing budget and personnel forecasts within a research setting
• Overseeing junior staff or trainees; experience managing research teams
• Experience writing or assisting with grant submissions
• Experience writing and preparing quantitative reports

The application deadline is 12/31/22.

Interested candidates should send a Cover Letter and resume/CV to Beau Edwards at Beau.Edwards@va.gov with the subject line 'Research Associate'.

(11/10/22) Multiple Open Rank, Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Positions Implementation Science and Health Services Research - Winston-Salem, NC

Leading the way as an Academic Learning Health System, Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) founded the nation’s first-ever dedicated Department of Implementation Science and launched an innovative Program in Health Services Research. Together within the Division of Public Health Sciences, they are translational catalysts for the adoption, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices in real-world settings. We aim to improve healthcare access, quality, and value with an overarching commitment to health equity. Instrumental to the success of that aim is our affiliation with the Salisbury VA.

To bolster our commitment to growing our Academic Learning Health System during this phase of unprecedented growth and evolution, we will recruit over 40 new research-intensive faculty, including several implementation scientists and/or health services researchers who are interested in research-to-practice translation in partnership with a multi-state health system and a diverse patient population. Candidates with strong methodological expertise in the areas of economic evaluation, de-implementation, pragmatic trials, cluster randomized trials, organizational theory and behavior, human factors engineering, analysis of large datasets, dissemination research, and learning health systems are of particular interest.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and lead in a multidisciplinary setting with experience facilitating cross-departmental and/or cross-institutional research
• Evidence of obtaining extramural research funding commensurate with rank
• Exceptional methodological skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Terminal degree

The Division of Public Health Sciences includes 69 faculty and 225 staff in four vibrant academic departments: Social Sciences and Health Policy, Implementation Science, Biostatistics and Data Science, and Epidemiology and Prevention. The Division has consistently ranked in the top 10 of NIH funding for organizations of its type, with $30M in total extramural funding in FY2021.

WFUSM is home to nationally and internationally recognized research in Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging and Mobility, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Obesity, Cancer, Neurosciences, and Regenerative Medicine. There will be opportunities to collaborate with faculty across multiple disciplines and become members of one or more of our nationally recognized centers, including, among others: The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Office of Cancer Health Equity, Center for Healthcare Innovation, Center for Biomedical Informatics, Center for Addiction Research, Center for Vaccines at the Extremes of Aging, Center on Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, etc. Research excellence, coupled with a robust informatics data infrastructure, clinically integrated implementation science efforts, and a firm commitment to the promotion of health equity, renders the WFUSM a rich environment for breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and improvements in quality of life.

WFUSM is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. Our Enterprise serves over 7 million patients in seven states across the Southeastern United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Atrium Health brings together four regional health systems that operate 40 hospitals and more than 1400 care locations. Our academic core, WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing – for all.

Applicants should submit a complete curriculum vitae and cover letter to Kassie Walters - kaswalte@wakehealth.edu.

(11/09/22) Management Analyst (Detail Opportunity) - Virtual

VHA’s Homeless Programs Office is seeking one individual to serve in a detail capacity for up to 120 days with potential for an extension beginning in December 2022.  The assignment is appropriate for a GS-14 level employee who will serve as the Management Analyst, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans (NCHAV), VHA Homeless Programs Office, under the supervision of NCHAV Director.

• This detail is suitable for a candidate at the GS-14 grade level; temporary promotion(s) are not   

• This detail assignment is virtual.

• Travel/Per Diem are authorized as required for the detail in adherence with COVID-19 travel guidance.   

• This is a reimbursable detail. The salary associated with selected employee will be reimbursed to employee’s official office of record.

Duties may include:

• Finds, cleans and links different datasets from different data repositories.
• Develops, analyzes and disseminates data driven interventions.
• Reviews, monitors, and evaluates program operations in meeting established goals and objectives.
• Supports and augments existing research, model development and educational activities being performed by NCHAV through finding data, interpreting data and utilizing data to advance these projects.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies and interventions to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans.
• Composes, reviews and edits various types of communication documents.
• Assists in responding to information requests or inquiries through researching requested information and drafting response.
• Works collaboratively within NCHAV and across HPO as well as other VA departments and services and non-VA partners (coalitions, alliances, universities, and contractors) to advance NCHAV’s projects and mission.

Desired experience and expertise include:

• Knowledge of utilizing databases, including but not limited to Cooperate Data Warehouse.  
• Knowledge of data sources.
• Knowledge of advanced computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation applications, and database functioning and analytic tools.
• Knowledge of oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of formulating, testing and evaluating new concepts and practices.

Submission Process

1. Candidates must receive supervisory concurrence before submitting their materials.
2. Candidates should submit their resume and supervisory approval to Erika.Barr@va.gov by close of business November 18, 2022.  
3. Questions can be referred to Dr. Dina Hooshyar, NCHAV Director, via email at: Dina.Hooshyar@va.gov

(10/25/22) Associate or Full Professor - Implementation Science - New York, NY

The Department of Population Health (DPH) at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine invites applications for faculty positions in Dissemination and Implementation Science at the level of Associate or Full Professor level with a growing portfolio of research in one of the following priority areas:

• Pragmatic research
• Organizational sciences
• Patient-centered research and evaluation
• Social determinants of health, including structural racism
• Health and racial equities focus

Successful candidates will have a doctoral degree in relevant population sciences fields such as implementation sciences, organizational sciences, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences, health policy, epidemiology and health services research OR a medical degree with advanced training in public health or health sciences.

Successful applicants will join a vibrant department engaged in highly rigorous research with a strong and sustained focus on translation and health equity--locally, nationally and internationally. Interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical departments, basic science departments, public agencies and community partners is a hallmark of our work. The Department of Population Health is comprised of a diverse group of faculty and staff working on pressing challenges in New York City, New York State, and around the world. The Department’s twin goals are to improve health for all while simultaneously reducing health inequities. The divisions, sections, and centers in the Department of Population Health engage in interdisciplinary research, training, and service to improve health and health equity at the population level. Together, the department’s six divisions house numerous sections and centers, spanning diverse disciplines including epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral economics, medical ethics, and healthcare delivery science.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the most dynamic and highly ranked academic medical centers in the nation. To advance its mission of health equity, the institution was the first in the nation to make medical school free, and an Institute for Excellence in Health Equity was launched in 2020 to improve health equity across research, education, clinical care and community.  Faculty in the Department of Population Health lead, co-lead, or substantively contribute to a strong portfolio of interdisciplinary and translational large collaborative grants.

Candidates should hold a PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree; have attained the rank of Associate or Full Professor or be eligible to be appointed at that rank; be able to demonstrate scholarship through teaching, publications, and extramurally-funded research. The successful candidate must demonstrate interpersonal, written and oral communication skills to effectively communicate, collaborate, and establish and maintain good working relationships with a diverse population of multi-disciplinary researchers, faculty, staff, and community partners. Strong desire and commitment to research, teaching and practice in areas including but not limited to racial/ethnic minority and immigrant health, health disparities, discrimination and structural racism, social determinants of health, and related topics.

Closes: January 31, 2023

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest in electronic form. The letter of interest should speak to research interests, teaching experience/approach to mentoring trainees, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Candidates must apply through Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/115439.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

NYU Langone Health is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital/or parental status, national origin, age, religion, citizenship, creed, disability, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision. We require applications to be completed online.

(10/18/22) Early-Career Clinician Investigator in General Internal Medicine - Portland, OR

The Section of General Medicine at VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is looking for an early-career Clinician-Investigator general internist to join a vibrant group of clinical and health services researchers with interdisciplinary and cross institution collaborations. All areas of research relevant to general internal medicine are welcome, including health services research, systematic review and evidence synthesis, quality improvement, health disparities, mental health, chronic illness management, patient-centered care, comparative effectiveness, clinical epidemiology, women’s health including reproductive health and eating disorders, and public health. Successful candidates will be eligible for an academic appointment at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

VAPORHCS is a 240-bed tertiary acute care hospital and referral center for VISN 20 in the VA system, including Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska.  VAPORHCS is the major affiliate teaching and research hospital for OHSU. Hired physicians will join a dynamic, highly collaborative group of clinicians, educators and researchers, and will be included as core investigators in the multidisciplinary Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), a VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation (COIN). The research community also includes the Veterans Rural Health Research Center, Coordinating Center for the VA HSR&D Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP), Scientific Resource Center (SRC) for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) program, and Cochrane US West.  Our academic affiliate, OHSU, is home to the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, Center for Health System Effectiveness, Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (OPRN) among others. We have established researchers with expertise in systematic reviews, addiction medicine, mental health, and the delivery of primary care.

The scope of clinical practice may include the primary care and/or inpatient wards, as well as oversight of the education and training of residents and medical students in the inpatient or outpatient setting.

We value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to be an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected class status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including vacation, parental, sick, and military leave; paid holidays; health and life insurance; Thrift Savings Plan (401K); flexible spending accounts; and health savings accounts. Applicants must be US citizens and board certified/board eligible in Internal Medicine.  This position may require a pre-employment physical and drug test. The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Closes: 12/18/2022

Applicants should submit a current Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining their experience in research and clinical practice and their career goals to Martha Gerrity, MD, MPH, PhD at martha.gerrity@va.gov.

(10/18/22) Mid-Career Clinician Investigator in General Internal Medicine - Portland, OR

The Section of General Medicine at VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is looking for a Clinician-Investigator to join a vibrant group of clinical and health services researchers with interdisciplinary and cross institution collaborations. A record of advanced training in research or academic productivity as a Clinician-Investigator is required. All areas of research relevant to general internal medicine are welcome, including health services research, systematic review and evidence synthesis, quality improvement, health disparities, mental health, chronic illness management, patient-centered care, comparative effectiveness, clinical epidemiology, and public health. Preference will be given for those who are mid-career or senior investigators. Successful candidates will have or be eligible for an academic appointment at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Depending on an applicant’s experience and interests, they will have opportunities for research and administrative leadership roles.

VAPORHCS is a 240-bed tertiary acute care hospital and referral center for VISN 20 in the VA system, including Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska.  VAPORHCS is the major affiliate teaching and research hospital for OHSU. Hired physicians will join a dynamic, highly collaborative group of clinicians, educators and researchers, and will be included as core investigators in the multidisciplinary Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), a VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation (COIN). The research community also includes the Veterans Rural Health Research Center,  Coordinating Center for the VA HSR&D Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP), Scientific Resource Center (SRC) for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) program, and Cochrane US West.  Our academic affiliate, OHSU, is home to the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, Center for Health System Effectiveness, Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (OPRN) among others.

The scope of clinical practice may include the primary care and/or inpatient wards, as well as oversight of the education and training of residents and medical students in the inpatient or outpatient setting.

We value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to be an equal opportunity organization that does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected class status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including vacation, parental, sick, and military leave; paid holidays; health and life insurance; Thrift Savings Plan (401K); flexible spending accounts; and health savings accounts. Applicants must be US citizens and board certified/board eligible in Internal Medicine.  This position may require a pre-employment physical and drug test. The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Closes: 12/18/2022

Applicants should submit a current Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining their experience in research and clinical practice and their career goals to Martha Gerrity, MD, MPH, PhD at martha.gerrity@va.gov.

(10/11/22) Assistant and Associate Professor - Milwaukee, WI

The Medical College of Wisconsin Division of General Internal Medicine has full-time research faculty position openings at the Assistant and Associate Professor level.

Position Highlights & Requirements

• PhD or MD with strong theoretical grounding and training in health services research, implementation science, biostatistics, epidemiology, quantitative psychology, or quantitative sociology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to support a rigorous program of research
• Experience in developing and conducting quantitative or mixed methods methodology
• Candidates should have the ability to be funded through either NIH or VA HSR&D and have an interest in conducting independent research as well as supporting multidisciplinary teams in developing collaborative grant applications
• Highly competitive compensation including a full benefits package, professional development allowance, tuition assistance for college-age children, and outstanding employer-funded health and retirement plan

About MCW

At the core of everything we do at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the pursuit of new knowledge and the power of academic medicine. Bringing together the world’s top scientists and clinicians, inspired students, and invested communities, we are driven to solve the most complex challenges in healthcare and society. MCW is home to a diverse group of thought leaders who are collaborating to build a healthier world and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge. 

General Internal Medicine Research Section

GIM is committed to creating and sustaining strong infrastructure to support research. The Division conducts clinical, population health, education, and industry research and is home to a large health services research group with over $10 million in federal research funding. The research vision is to become a leader in creating evidence to change clinical practice, educational efforts, and local, regional, and national policy.

Closing date: 10/10/2023

If you are interested in joining our team, please contact:
Becky Trujillo
Ph: (414) 955-4683
bltrujillo@mcw.edu
https://www.mcw.edu

(10/11/22) Statistician - Portland, OR

Projects: COVID-19-related observational research using national Veterans Affairs (VA) data

Project PIs (Portland): Kristina Bajema, MD, MSc and Denise Hynes, MPH, PhD, RN

We are seeking to hire a full-time statistician to join our team of investigators, biostatisticians, and analysts working on two VA-funded projects conducting observational research on COVID-19. These include a new Cooperative Studies Program, COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy Effectiveness in the VA Healthcare System (COPE-VA) and the Health Services Research & Development Program, COVID-19 Observational Research Collaboratory (CORC):

• COPE-VA is an exciting interagency collaboration between BARDA, FDA, VA, and other federal partners to use an adaptive platform observational study design to determine the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of novel therapeutic agents authorized for the outpatient treatment of COVID-19 in Veterans. 
• CORC is based within the Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC) and includes several VA collaborating sites across the U.S. to conduct research to understand the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We are seeking a statistician to support data management, study design, development of analytic plans, and execution and interpretation of analyses under the direction of the principal investigators and senior biostatisticians. We are a highly collaborative team with investigators across Portland, Puget Sound, West Haven, and other VA centers. Members participate in many aspects of study development as well as co-authorship on scientific manuscripts.

The Statistician will have master’s or PhD-level training in statistics, epidemiology, computer science, data science, or closely related field. Desired skills include expertise on the aggregation, collation, and the analysis of data from electronic health record (EHR) and claims databases including the development, implementation and updating of data extraction queries, data mining and developing strategies, action plans, data queries modification and maintenance, quality control and validation of collected data as well as conducting statistical analysis on the data including descriptive analysis, logistic regression and survival models and creation of high quality figures and graphs to summarize the findings. Experience with propensity scores, inverse probability weighting and other causal models preferred. Experience with research in the VA and/or experience in clinical-epidemiological research with use of large EHR databases is preferred. Knowledge of SQL and statistical software such as R, SAS, or STATA is required.

Responsibilities for the statistician would include some of the following, depending on skillset:

• Preparing data from multiple data sources for analysis
• Performing data validity checks and descriptive analyses using datasets received from study analysts
• Developing and executing propensity score matching, inverse probability weighting, time-to-event analyses, multivariable logistic regression, and other analyses
• Interpreting and presenting preliminary results to the team
• Designing statistical methods of upcoming studies
• Scientific writing for grant applications, manuscripts, and statistical reports
• Communicating with other study analysts and study investigators to relay results and optimize analytic plans

Salary is set by HR based on the candidate’s education and experience, target GS-12 ($84,923-110,404) or GS-13 ($100,984-131,277) depending on qualification. The position is available at 1.0 FTE (i.e., full-time). Candidates must be US citizens. This position is potentially eligible for teleworking, early, late, or compressed work schedules, a transit pass if applicable, as well as paid vacation, sick leave, and a range of healthcare and retirement benefits. 

VA Portland is committed to developing and sustaining a workforce that supports the inclusion and professional growth of all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, Veteran status, familial status, disability status, or genetic information.

CIVIC values individuals at all points in their career trajectories, and CIVIC is committed to fostering the professional growth of its staff. Within CIVIC and the broader VA and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) communities, there are many opportunities for continuing education, didactics, and training related to a broad variety of topics. Such opportunities include OHSU Departmental Grand Rounds or larger events, research in progress meetings, CIVIC conferences, analyst drop-in sessions, qualitative forums, and more.

Application deadline: December 1, 2022

For more information or to apply, please contact: Kristina Bajema (kristina.bajema@va.gov) and Denise Hynes (denise.hynes@va.gov)

(10/11/22) Implementation Facilitator - Seattle, WA

Investigators at Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division are seeking a full-time Implementation Facilitator (also referred to as a practice facilitator) to work on the TelePain Evaluation, Metrics, & Pain Outcomes (TEMPO) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Partnered Evaluation Initiative.

TelePain is a virtual interdisciplinary pain management program utilizing a hub-and-spoke delivery model. The goal of TelePain is to bring specialty pain treatment to rural areas and promote equitable access to care. The model was created and piloted in the Pacific Northwest. In 2021-2022, 12 regions of the U.S. are building new or expanding on existing TelePain programs to covering 34 states and 4 territories. This position will primarily work with new TelePain hub sites across the country and TEMPO research staff. Most work will be virtually, although occasionally travel to implementation sites should be expected.

The Facilitator will be an employee of VA Puget Sound’s Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Build and foster relationships with hub site clinicians in order to conduct healthcare research
• Oversee and track site implementation activities and monitor data quality
• Train relevant hub site staff in quality improvement (QI) techniques
• Participate in the design and implementation of quality improvement and practice transformation studies
• Under the direction of the investigators, participate in collection of qualitative and quantitative data, including participating in periodic reflections with hub site champions
• Contribute to dissemination efforts, including developing presentations and status updates
• Provide daily operational and administrative support for the study and as a part of the TelePain implementation team.
• Supports research analysis and grant writing activities
  • Participates in data collection for analysis
  • Supports the writing of grants through literature review, collecting grant materials, and other supporting documents.
• Conducts research with regional clinics and communities
  • Recruits and consent participants and clinics, monitor site data quality Incorporates research best practices in primary care
  • Participates in dissemination activities including manuscripts and presentations
• Builds quality improvement (QI) infrastructure with regional clinics
  • Engages inter-professional clinic teams in practice transformation
  • Supports practices to develop skills for population-based health and data-driven quality improvement
  • Facilitates group discussions to set priorities and aid decision making
• Community Engagement
  • Fosters relationships with community organizations
  • Serves as regional liaison, representing VA Puget Sound Health Services Research & Development with regional health systems, hospitals, Coordinated Care Organizations and others
  • Identifies facility implementation priorities

Minimum qualifications:

• Candidates must be a US citizen.
• Candidate must reside in the United States.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science field.
• Comfortable facilitating and participating in virtual meetings
• At least two years of relevant experience. Examples include:
  • Experience in health research, data collection, methodology and implementation
  • Experience with practice facilitation
  • Experience in specialty care and/or virtual/telehealth care settings
  • Experience with community organizing
  • Experience with chronic pain treatment and management
• Excellent organizational and project management skills. This includes the ability to manage one’s own time, develop systems to track all aspects of a complex implementation work, and work independently to keep the study on track.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including ability to adapt communication style to different audiences (e.g., Veterans, medical providers, support staff at VA medical sites).
• Ability to discuss chronic pain, opioid use disorder, and mental health with health care providers and Veterans in a neutral, non-judgmental way.
• Experience with research administration, including managing human subjects and other research-related approvals.
• Interest in chronic pain and health disparities research.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience coordinating behavioral or other clinical intervention trials.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge of quality improvement methods.
• Familiarity with Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software and other survey tools
• Familiarity with healthcare systems and clinical operations.
• Experience implementation science such as completion of change management coursework (LEAN or CAP, IHI training modules, PCPCI online learning module)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Equity and social justice are core values of this team. We believe the quality of these values is enhanced and strengthened by working and learning from people with diverse experiences from all over the world. We strongly believe that diversity enriches training and scientific discovery and promotes the best healthcare. We are committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment for our team and to reducing health inequities for the Veterans we serve through education, research, and leadership.

We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment. Individuals from under-represented backgrounds. women, and transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens. Education and experience will be evaluated by Human Resources to determine if the top candidate meets the criteria for the targeted GS-09 through GS-13 range. The General Schedule (GS) salary table for Seattle can be found on the Office of Personnel Management website at www.opm.gov.

Send a cover letter and resume to Mx. Jess Indresano (jessica.indresano@va.gov). Recruitment ongoing until filled.

(08/08/22) Statistical Scientist - Bedford or Boston, MA

The VA Boston and Bedford Healthcare Systems seek an academically-oriented, doctorally-trained Statistical Scientist for its Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), a Center of Innovation (COIN) jointly located at the VA Bedford and VA Boston Healthcare Systems. Statistical scientists with strong quantitative training from other doctoral fields will also be considered. CHOIR contains an extensive portfolio of research projects and programs, with a large total annual budget and academic affiliations with Boston University, the University of Massachusetts, and Harvard University.

Potential candidates will be PhD (or similar doctoral degree) investigators with expertise in mathematical statistical and/or biostatistical methods. They will participate in CHOIR health services research across its many constituent fields. They will contribute technical and statistical knowledge, and help prepare research proposals, reports, and articles for publication in scientific journals. Responsibilities include finding the best and most innovative quantitative methods. The position will be a full-time appointment. Successful candidates will be eligible for full academic appointment at one of CHOIR’s academic affiliate universities. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with experience.

The successful candidate will have the ability to expertly lead analysis of all varieties of health systems data, including patient record data and survey data. They will convey data analysis results, recommendations, and other information in clear, concise language to research team members, collaborators, and to management. They will read, hear, comprehend, and dissect important documents and communications relating to research questions under consideration, and have the ability to synthesize, summarize, and apply the results and write clearly about the conclusions. They will frequently be required to extend analyses beyond the original problems, apply intelligence and creativity to problems, and to develop new ideas. Having a familiarity with statistical packages such as SAS and R, they will be expected to work closely with and advise data programmers and analysts.

The mission of CHOIR is to conduct health services and implementation research and scholarly analysis to promote Veteran-centered high-quality health care, identifying best practices and working with operational and policy leaders within VA to improve clinical care. CHOIR investigators have broad expertise across health services research methodologies.

Competitive candidates should have training, experience, and interest in developing a successful research trajectory. U.S. citizen status is required. CHOIR faculty engage in teaching, research, and service and are expected to initiate and collaborate on research projects, mentor students and junior faculty, and contribute to the teaching missions of their appointed university department.

Interested candidates should submit a 1-2-page cover letter that includes a statement describing the candidate’s relevant background and experience on applied statistical work, and a CV. Application material should be submitted directly to: Allen Gifford, Director, CHOIR, c/o john.brown50@va.gov. Applications will be considered if submitted by November 30, 2022, and will be reviewed until the position is filled. Letters of recommendation will be requested later in the process.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. CHOIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Change Team strives to cultivate a work environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are our driving strengths.