Health Equity Implementation Research Scientist II

Kaiser Permanente - Pasadena, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pasadena, CA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Department of Research & Evaluation (R&E) at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) is seeking to expand its health equity and implementation research portfolio aimed at improving the health and well-being of diverse communities. This position is primarily focused on building sustainable partnerships with health system leaders, clinicians, patients, families, and various collaborators to develop, implement, and rigorously evaluate scalable programs and practices that address persistent health disparities. The research will focus on priority areas such as cardio-metabolic diseases, medication adherence, vaccinations, cancer care, maternal health, mental health, obesity management, and digital access. This open-rank Research Scientist position is equivalent to an Assistant (I), Associate (II), or Full (III) Professor and is intended for an investigator with relevant experience in health equity and implementation science research. Candidates should possess a PhD or equivalent in health services research, implementation science, systems science, epidemiology, nursing, psychology, or a related field, or an MD with a master's degree in a related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct culturally sensitive research, particularly with communities that are diverse and may face unique health challenges. The role involves designing, developing, obtaining funding for, and directing research projects that align with institutional, state, and national health care priorities. Responsibilities include preparing grant proposals, internal reports, and manuscripts for publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, both independently and collaboratively. The candidate will also provide service to the scientific community by reviewing manuscripts, serving on editorial boards, and participating in grant review panels. Presentations at national and international scientific meetings are expected, along with mentoring opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and junior research scientists.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop research projects consistent with institutional, state, and national health care priorities.
• Obtain funding for research projects through grant proposals.
• Prepare internal reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Review manuscripts for publication and serve on editorial boards and grant review panels.
• Consult with local, state, and national non-profit and government agencies as needed.
• Make presentations to R&E and SCPMG as requested.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings in oral or poster format.
• Serve on and may chair departmental and SCPMG committees based on experience and expertise.
• Mentor postdoctoral fellows and junior research scientists.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent in health services research, implementation science, systems science, epidemiology, nursing, psychology, or a related field, or MD with a master's degree in a related field.
• Substantial professional experience (seven years of postdoctoral experience) for Research Scientist II level.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in designing and conducting culturally sensitive research.
• Ability to publish research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in health equity and implementation science research.
• Familiarity with issues impacting diverse communities.
• Experience in mentoring junior researchers.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Flexible scheduling options
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Tuition reimbursement for further education
• Professional development opportunities