Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI; https://www.kpwashingtonresearch.org/) is seeking a doctorate-level, Associate or Senior investigator (equivalent to an Associate or Senior Professor) with nationally-recognized expertise in Mental Health and Health Services Research to join our faculty. The recruitment is part of the institute’s strategic plan for growth. The successful candidate will join a highly successful mental health research team at KPWHRI, as well as the Mental Health Research Network (MHRN), an NIMH-funded network of mental health researchers embedded in 14 large health systems across the US (https://mhresearchnetwork.org/). 

The KPWHRI mental health research team, and broader MHRN, have outstanding expertise in mental health clinical informatics, implementation research, embedded pragmatic trials, and biostatistics. Current areas of mental health research activity include: identifying and addressing risk of self-harm and suicide, reducing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care, improving the appropriateness of psychiatric medication prescribing, personalizing treatment for mood disorders, implementation of measurement-based care and other systematic care programs in mental health specialty and primary care, and increasing engagement in and adherence to effective mental health treatments.  The successful candidate will develop and maintain an independent program of extramurally funded research in addition to collaborating with KP health system leaders, other researchers at KPWHRI and researchers across MHRN.

We seek applicants with clinical mental health training and formal research training, including (but not limited to) MD or PhD clinicians (including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, etc.). Candidates with interest in part-time clinical practice within KPWA’s Mental Health and Wellness service line are especially invited to apply.  The ideal candidate will also have:

• A history of independent, extramural research funding in mental health and/or health services research as Principal Investigator (PI) or Multiple PI.
• Ability to plan, initiate, and conduct scientific research and evaluation studies, including analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating research findings.

• Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues as co-investigator or project lead.
• Strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Evidence of a national reputation for one's scientific program, as demonstrated by a combination of: publication in moderate/high impact scientific journals, national service (e.g., scientific peer reviewer, service to professional societies), and invited talks as lead presenter at national scientific conferences. For appointment at the Senior Investigator level, evidence of a national and/or international reputation is required.
• A demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing the careers of junior scientists and staff.
• Involvement in promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity and a commitment to KPWHRI’s equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts.
• Interest in working collaboratively with faculty, staff, trainees, and students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Additional criteria may apply, as appropriate to the rank of one’s faculty appointment

The position is located in Seattle, Washington and residence within Washington state is required. Applicants who represent the broad range of diversity and lived experiences in our communities are strongly encouraged to apply. KPWHRI is an internationally recognized research organization that conducts epidemiologic, health services, preventative, and clinical research to improve health, health equity, and health care for all people. It is one of eight regional research institutes within Kaiser Permanente, all of which conduct public-domain science. That is, while work of the Institute advances care delivery within Kaiser Permanente, our research is not proprietary. We seek to generate knowledge and transform health and health care for all. The Institute’s research is primarily funded through federal grants and contracts that total more than $60 million annually.

Our position within Kaiser Permanente Washington (www.kp.org/wa), a not-for-profit health care delivery system headquartered in Seattle, provides a natural laboratory to study important health issues through clinical trials and observational studies which leverage our unique access to members and health care data. KPWHRI has over 300 employees, including a faculty of approximately 70 scientists trained in public health, medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, community health evaluation research and biostatistics. It is part of a vibrant regional research community including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Seattle Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center. Most faculty at KPWHRI have affiliate positions at these local research institutions and collaborate locally and nationally. The culture at KPWHRI is highly collaborative, productive, and respectful of the lived experiences of community members, research participants, and employees.

To apply: Please submit a letter of interest, research statement, and CV via Kaiser Permanente’s online application system using one of these links:

Associate Investigator:  https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/associate-investigator/641/45718848944

Senior Investigator: https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/senior-investigator/641/45718848960

Questions about the position can be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs (gregory.e.simon@kp.org or nora.b.henrikson@kp.org) or Talent Acquisition Consultant narine.x.malkchyan@kp.org. Additional application procedures may be required.

For full consideration, submit materials by June 1, 2023; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status. External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including but not limited to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. This position supports Kaiser Permanente’s code of conduct and compliance by adhering to all laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

About Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) is a research center within Kaiser Permanente Washington, a nonprofit health system based in Seattle. Our research produces timely, relevant findings that help people everywhere stay healthy and get the care they need. From testing new vaccines to helping people quit smoking to finding ways to delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, our discoveries have helped millions of people worldwide lead healthier, happier lives.

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