Research Scientist Position in Psychiatry and Mental Health Research

The Division of Research (DOR) of The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) and Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) seek an investigator in psychiatry and mental health research, with a focus on depression and anxiety, stress and trauma, clinical innovation, and program evaluation. This individual will be expected to develop an independently funded research program, conduct scholarly research that is recognized nationally and internationally, and collaborate with other DOR investigators, TPMG physicians, and Kaiser Permanente leadership in expanding in these target areas to advance knowledge and clinical care. Anticipated methodological approaches that would be used include traditional epidemiological and health services methods, advanced predictive analytic techniques (e.g., machine learning and other artificial intelligence-based methods), randomized clinical trial designs, and implementation science that collectively support improving care and outcomes for patients with mental illness.

Investigators in the DOR draw on rich clinical data derived from a comprehensive, state-of-the-art electronic health record system and enjoy direct access to a highly diverse population– the >4.5 million members of KPNC. The group has more than 65 research scientists who lead well-developed research programs across a wide range of medical and scientific areas. With respect to psychiatric medicine and mental health research in particular, KPNC DOR includes collaborative networks such as the Center for Addiction Medicine and Mental Health Research (CAMHR). DOR investigators are primarily supported by grant and contract funding from federal sources, especially the National Institutes of Health (NIH), foundation and industry-based sources, and selected internal sources.

This Research Scientist position calls for relevant experience in psychiatric medicine and mental health research, which may include health services research to improve workflow, process measures, and health outcomes associated with mental health care. The successful candidate is expected to develop their own externally funded research portfolio; work collaboratively with other DOR scientists on content and methodologic issues; collaborate with physicians and program leaders within Kaiser Permanente; and develop national and international collaborations to advance research in their respective interest areas.

Preferred qualifications include an MD or equivalent plus a master’s degree or PhD in public health or a related field, or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, and postdoctoral research fellowship experience. The successful candidate should have a proven track record of independent scholarly publications in the peer-reviewed medical literature, demonstrated history of successful research collaboration, strong methodologic expertise, and experience working with electronic health record data. Evidence of current funding from peer-reviewed grants through federal or non-federal sponsors is highly desirable, as is experience conducting research projects within health care delivery systems. The investigator may be appointed at DOR equivalents to the assistant professor, associate professor, or professor-equivalent levels (Research Scientist I-III).

DOR is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and strongly encourages women and applicants of color to apply.

Please email a letter of interest and curriculum vitae by April 11, 2025 to Suzanne Furuya MPH MBA, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, email: Suzanne.Furuya@kp.org