Overview:

Embedded within one of the largest community health centers in the country, the Weitzman Institute is dedicated to primary care innovation and transformation through research, education, and policy, with a particular focus on the underserved. Since 2007, the Institute has grown into a nationally recognized organization with expertise in health services research, continuing education, and workforce training. Its unique environment, within a safety-net health system, has enhanced its ability to conduct research and promote innovation aimed at improving outcomes, decreasing health disparities, and developing implementation strategies for evidence-based, integrated practice for Federally qualified health centers and other primary care practices nationwide. The Institute has worked with practices in all 50 states, focused on building provider capacity and overcoming provider isolation in 15 content areas highly relevant to primary care, including complex integrated pediatric care, trauma-informed care, pain management, substance use disorders, HIV and HCV treatment, COVID-19 care, LGBT Health, diabetes and health weight management, as well as other complex conditions.

The Research Scientist is a Doctorate prepared health care research professional who conducts independent research in alignment with the mission and vision of the Weitzman Institute. Successful applicants will have demonstrated quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, an interest in building a primary care-oriented research portfolio, the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and either a track record or high potential for securing funding. Experience in implementation and/or evaluation also valued. Areas of particular interest include:

• Primary care
• Health equity, including social determinants of health
• Marginalized/high risk populations
• Workforce training
• Telehealth/eConsults
• Care coordination and team-based care
• Patient-centered care and experience

III. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Secure funding to support independent research
• Serve as lead researcher/evaluator on current and prospective Weitzman initiatives
• Provide content and support for Weitzman manuscript and grant preparation
• Work with staff and outside collaborators to expand the research program through collaboration with other academic entities across the U.S.
• Work closely with Weitzman Core Leadership to identify opportunities for additional investigation within existing Weitzman projects and initiatives
• Lead regularly recurring cross-disciplinary research team meetings
• Provide support and mentoring to students and Weitzman research staff to help in developing their research/evaluation interests and capabilities

III. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education & Certification:

Doctorate degree in public health, health policy, health services research, behavioral or social science, or other closely related fields, and at six years post-graduate research experience or Masters prepared with 10 years of research experience

Knowledge & Experience:

• Proven experience in securing funding to support independent research
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas: health economics, network science (e.g., social network analysis), multilevel modeling, machine learning, natural language processing, interrupted time series trials, community trials, clinical trials, power analyses
• Strong analytical (quantitative and/or qualitative) and writing skills as demonstrated through a record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with serving as a Principal Investigator
• Experience as a clinician and/or providing direct care to patients/clients in safety-net settings a plus

Key Attributes:

• Ability to work effectively independently as well as a member of larger multidisciplinary teams;
• Exceptionally self-motivated and directed;
• Strong planning and organizational skills;
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills;
• An orientation to deadlines and details; and,
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with employees at diverse levels

PRIMARY CONTACTS

• Research team
• All levels of internal employees
• Community contact including federal, state and other external partners

VI. PHYSICAL EFFORT/ENVIRONMENT

This is a fully remote position. Occasional travel to the headquarters in Connecticut may occur at a later date pending COVID safety protocols.

VII. WORK SCHEDULE DEMANDS

Flexible, full time at 40 hours per week.

IIX. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

Confidentiality of business and patient information is a requirement. Confidentiality must be maintained according to CHC policies.

Writing Sample Required

A writing sample is required for this position. A solo- or first-authored writing sample demonstrating expertise with quantitative and/or qualitative methods and analysis is preferred.