Mental Health Quality and Pragmatic Implementation Researcher - Open Rank

Job Summary:

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Division at the Department of Psychiatry is committed to hiring a full-time faculty to lead our efforts in transforming the CAMH Division into a robust, nationally recognized learning health system. This is an open-rank position with a preference for Associate level or above. The faculty will partner with key individuals in the CAMH Division, the Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), and Children’s Hospital Colorado to develop the vision and infrastructure of a learning health system focused on child mental health. The individual will collaborate with partners across hospital and university systems (e.g., system leaders, clinicians, informaticists, patients, families), as well as community members and policy makers, to produce novel insights and evidence that can be rapidly implemented to improve mental health and service system outcomes. The individual will contribute to research in the areas of improving suicide screening and prevention and systematic implementation of innovations and outcome monitoring and feedback within the CAMH, as well as other priorities within the Pediatric Mental Health Strategic Plan. They will also work with key partners to identify and conduct rapid cycle improvement for key priority areas related to improving healthcare quality and safety. While not required, strong preference will be given for clinical professionals who are license-eligible in Colorado.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and publish innovative, pragmatic research and improvement science contributing to the quality, equity, sustainment and/or value of healthcare systems.
• Use participatory research approaches and meaningfully engage with diverse, multi-level partners to identify and prioritize questions that address the needs of clinicians, patients, families, and community members.
• Use theory, conceptual models, and frameworks from the field of implementation science (or related fields) to plan, design, execute, evaluate, and refine learning health system research
• Provide expertise in using observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental study designs to conduct research in a manner that is minimally disruptive to the functioning of a complex health system.
• Apply mixed methods and rapid cycle approaches to design and execute learning health system studies involving multi-level partners that focus on improving patient care and the functioning of a complex health system.
• Collaborate with child and adolescent mental health clinical quality leaders in the development of an integrated quality program and key metrics dashboard.
• Working in conjunction with informaticists and big data experts, use clinical information systems, including electronic health records and other clinical and digital information sources, to develop and execute research and quality improvement projects to inform patient care.
• Implement capacity building efforts and mentor colleagues to train the next cadre of learning health system scientists focusing on systems science, dissemination and implementation, and rapid cycle improvement.
• Work with other faculty and project manager to develop and advance the learning health system program, including the governance structure and strategic mission and vision.
• Publish on the above issues and develop a strong, externally funded research program focusing on the improvement of mental health outcomes for children.
• Disseminate research findings to a wide variety of audiences.
• Support faculty recruitment and the infrastructure for faculty development.

Supervision Received:

This position will report to the Director of Research and the Chair of the CAMH Division of the Department of Psychiatry.

Supervision Exercised:

There will be opportunities to provide supervision, training, and mentoring to mental health trainees and faculty researchers.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .  ACCORDS is a vibrant research community that will provide structural and collegial support as well as mentorship in many methodological areas.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:  

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:  

Assistant Professor:

• 1-3 years of relevant research or improvement science experience at rank or equivalent experience.
• Minimum degree qualifications: M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent
• At the time of hire, applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent in psychiatry, psychology, social work, public health, health services research, or related field. 

Associate Professor:

• 4-7 years of relevant research or improvement science experience at rank or equivalent experience.
• Minimum degree qualifications: M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent
• At the time of hire, applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent in psychiatry, psychology, social work, public health, health services research, or related field.  

Professor:

• 7+ years of relevant research or improvement science experience at rank or equivalent experience.
• Minimum degree qualifications: M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent
• At the time of hire, applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D., Dr.PH., DNP or equivalent in psychiatry, psychology, social work, public health, health services research, or related field. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Professor or above.
• Advanced training and 3+ years conducting health services, learning health system research and/or quality improvement science in one or more of the following areas: dissemination and implementation science, conducting pragmatic clinical research trials, systems and complexity science, informatics and artificial intelligence. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience conducting observational, quasi-experimental, and pragmatic experimental research within complex healthcare systems.
• Experience with qualitative and mixed methods research approaches.
• Knowledge of behavioral health research. Although not required, clinical experience with child and adolescent populations and license-eligibility in Colorado is strongly desired.
• A history of accomplishments in research, including publications (first or senior author), professional presentations, and grant funding.
• Proven ability to lead multi-level partner initiatives and collaborations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise reports and presentations about data and complex issues and the ability to communicate with government officials and clients.
• Proven ability to lead medium to large-sized projects or study teams with six or more staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong leadership abilities and experience building collaborative relationships and ensuring cohesiveness among various entities, programs, and groups.
• A commitment to education across disciplines, including mentoring trainees and other staff.
• Knows and applies best practices in diversity and inclusion during interactions with patients, families, providers, and other team members. 

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.      A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.      Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.      Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: Amy Canada, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by (09/15/2023).  

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

MD and/or DO

Assistant Professor: $220,000 to $250,000

Associate Professor: $250,000 to $270,000

Professor: $280,000 to $310,000

PhD and/or PsyD

Assistant Professor: $105,000 to $120,000

Associate Professor: $130,000 to $145,000

Professor: $175,000 to $205,000

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .