About this role
The University of Utah seeks a nationally recognized cannabis researcher to serve as the Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR). The Director will organize, implement, and oversee scientific and administrative aspects of the CMCR, in partnership with the Health Research Office (HRO), as well as CMCR’s senior manager, the steering committee, the external advisory board, and key collaborators. The Director will develop and implement a wide range of strategic, proactive, and capacity-building activities that enable and enhance cannabis-related research, and coalesce researchers across the state to inform health care providers, lawmakers, and the general public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis. The Director will lead the strategic planning and execution of the CMCR, and will serve as a liaison for CMCR engagement and interactions with the Office of the President’s government relations staff and Utah State legislative bodies. The ideal candidate will lead committees focused on assessing the impact of advancements within the field, communicating evidence-based research and outcomes to the legislature and public, participating in appropriations request development and testimony, and ensuring alignment and strategic implementation of H.B. 230 directives.
Engage and seek feedback from key stakeholders and oversee committee/board activities and involvement. Work with the CMCR staff to organize evidence-based literature reviews and develop plans for dissemination to researchers, providers, policymakers, and the public. Lead research committee in developing medical cannabis best practices and guidelines for implementation in the medical cannabis program. Serve as an institutional representative to the University, community, external visitors, and lawmakers, and provide information and analysis to support formal partnerships with external entities. Identify federal and philanthropic opportunities for funding, develop and successfully acquire grants, and lead faculty researchers to develop research/clinical/community teams interested in responding to funding opportunities. Oversee the development and execution of the annual seed grant program to catalyze innovative cannabis research concepts. Work with the senior manager to develop community engagement events while maintaining oversight of related budgetary requirements. Create networking and collaborative research opportunities with external partners and national cannabis research centers. Complete annual evaluations and reporting activities to the HRO and Utah State Legislative bodies and oversight committees. Develop faculty and training mentorship opportunities. Foster a collaborative and translational approach to research, creating a culture of fairness and belonging in HB 230.
A PhD, MD, or another clinical doctorate in a related field with credentials and experience suitable for a tenure-track appointment as Associate or Full Professor in areas such as The School of Medicine (Internal Medicine/Epidemiology), Anesthesiology, Population Health Sciences, Family & Preventive Medicine, or Obstetrics/Gynecology; College of Pharmacy; or College of Nursing. All backgrounds are welcome to apply. An outstanding record of productive funded research in a breadth of cannabis-related research.
Salary
Range: Commensurate with Experience.