HEALTH EQUITY IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST, KAISER PERMANENTE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (KPSC)

The Department of Research & Evaluation (R&E) at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) seeks to expand our health equity and implementation research portfolio to improve the health and well-being of our diverse community. The primary objective of this overall research program is to build sustainable partnerships with KPSC health system leaders, front line clinicians, patients and families, R&E scientists, and other national, state and community collaborators to develop, implement and rigorously evaluate scalable programs, practices, and innovations to eliminate persistent health disparities in the diverse communities of Southern California. Priority health equity focus areas include cardio-metabolic diseases, medication adherence, vaccinations, cancer care, maternal health, mental health, obesity management, and digital access.

This is an open-rank Research Scientist position (equivalent to an Assistant (I), Associate (II) or Full (III) Professor) for an investigator with relevant experience and expertise in health equity and implementation science research. Qualifications include a PhD or equivalent in health services research, implementation and improvement science, systems science, epidemiology, nursing, psychology or related field, or MD or equivalent with a master’s degree in a related field. The candidate must be able to consistently demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to design and conduct culturally sensitive research with all communities, although it will be especially beneficial for candidates to be culturally knowledgeable and have a deep understanding of issues impacting the diverse communities that we serve.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and/or sustain an independent, externally funded program of research that is recognized nationally and internationally that directly translates to improved patient care and outcomes, and health of the community.
• Collaborate with investigators within R&E and with external investigators in health care and academic settings to advance knowledge in implementation science that advances health equity.
• Collaborate with KP clinicians and leadership to design, implement and evaluate innovative models of care for diverse KP members and patients to promote health and well-being.
• Provide service to the scientific community through reviewing manuscripts for publication and serving on editorial boards and grant review panels.
• Present at internal and national and international scientific meetings.
• Maintain awareness of scientific developments within area of expertise, both in terms of new methodology and new research activities.
• Serve on and may chair departmental committees based on experience and expertise.
• May teach, lecture, and/or mentor students at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and/or other academic settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Independent research and peer-reviewed publications in areas central to the issues of health equity and social justice.
• Knowledge of health equity theories and frameworks.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish fluently.

KPSC is a leading integrated health care system that provides comprehensive care for approximately 4.8 million members in Southern California, of whom 42% identify as Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 7% Blacks. The health care provided to members is tracked through a system-wide electronic health record (EHR), which includes membership, utilization, vital signs, laboratory, and pharmacy records. R&E has access to unparalleled data resources, including data warehouses that combines curated EHR data for both inpatient and outpatient visits with additional data from external registries and outside claims.

By joining the KPSC research team, you will work with other researchers in a collegial setting that fosters public domain research, independent thinking, and adherence to the highest scientific standards. R&E investigators are primarily supported by grant and contract funding from federal and other external sources, especially the National Institutes of Health.

A description of the Department of Research & Evaluation is available on the web (http://kp.org/research). It is home to over 40 research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and clinician investigators and over 400 support staff. The department is located in Pasadena, a community of 140,000 residents 15 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles. Information about the community can be found at www.visitpasadena.com.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter online at https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org (Job # 1261944 Health Equity Implementation Research Scientist I, Job #1261926 Health Equity Implementation Research Scientist II, Job #1261871 Health Equity Implementation Research Scientist III) Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Huong Nguyen (email: Angela.X.Tedford@kp.org). Principals only.

KPSC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefit packages, including employer-paid medical, dental, and coverage for eligible dependents. Competitive wages, generous paid time-off, and a comprehensive retirement plan are just part of the exceptional benefits offered to Kaiser Permanente employees.