Hiring MOUD Project Director-Research Scientist at the University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking to fill an open position for a MOUD Project Director-Research Scientist in the Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) in the School of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 

Qualifications –

The Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) is currently seeking a research scientist to serve as the Project Director leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive, community-based program for adults with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in three PA counties. Since its founding in 2006, PERU has expanded its program development and research to four areas: substance use disorder education and research; OUD and opioid overdose prevention, intervention, and treatment; medication adherence; and organizational health for healthcare systems. 

The Incumbent will contribute to/oversee complex projects combining program implementation, program evaluation, and research studies. Specifically, the Incumbent will provide key input into the implementation/research design, oversee the data analytics, and develop new methods or modifying current approaches for PERU projects under the direction of the PERU Director. This individual will oversee the development of evidence-based principals for providing effective MOUD treatment, create effective treatment and service models, lead current condition analyses, implement the community pilots, evaluate the work, and develop policy recommendations around sustainability and dissemination.

The Incumbent will be joining a growing team of Research and Implementation Scientists committed to conducting high-quality, multi-system program implementation, program evaluation, and research to eliminate the OUD and opioid overdose crises. PERU offers several opportunities to get involved with a number of grant funded projects based on interest/capacity and welcomes applicants looking to leverage our grant resources/community partnerships to build their own research program. To support the successful execution of the project and other relevant work, the Incumbent will have access to dedicated staff focused on program management/implementation, data analysis and informatics, program evaluation, as well as training and communication. The Incumbent will receive direct supervision from the PERU Director and extensive opportunities for internal and external collaborations.  

Requirements include: PhD/MD in public health, epidemiology, behavioral health, psychology, sociology, or related discipline with interdisciplinary interests AND 3 years or more experience in managing complex health services research studies. Background in public health/addiction disorders/suicide prevention with substantial hands-on experience with implementation projects, community-based research, data analysis, evaluation of interventions, and publishing of results. Broad understanding of addiction disorders, particularly Substance Use disorders, Opioid Use disorders and Suicidality. Experience with leading and training implementation and technical staff, collaborating with data and evaluation colleagues, and working and communicating with high level government and university stakeholders. Prior experience with collaborations involving investigators, clinical coordinators, physician-scientists and other researchers. Qualified candidates will be expected to develop and lead new programs, provide new ideas and techniques for existing programs, collaborate with other clinical scientists and researchers, and contribute to the writing of proposals and grant applications.

Mid-rank and senior candidates must have a strong record of publications and substantial active grant funding. Early-career candidates must have demonstrated evidence of or very strong potential for extramural funding and a solid record of scholarship in refereed journals. 

The university and PERU are strongly committed to a climate that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute and enhance the diversity of our community. In support of this mission, the University of Pittsburgh and PERU adheres to a 37.5-hour work week while offering flexible work schedules and accommodations (e.g., fully remote, hybrid, or fully in office) as well as generous benefits and vacation time. We welcome applicants with work or lived experience related to our work and/or share our vision to address the opioid crisis by improving and implementing substance use disorder education and research; opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment; medication adherence; and organizational health for healthcare systems. To learn more about the projects and efforts PERU conducts regarding each of these areas of research, please see our Projects and Research pages. 

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV/resume. The cover letter should highlight any relevant experiences to fulfill the job requirements, the applicant’s interest in the position, and/or any other information the applicant feels is relevant and not fully captured on a CV/resume. 

Experience in Public Health/Addiction Disorders is a requirement. Additional experience in working in Mental Health, Social Services for individuals with Substance Use Disorder would be desirable. Data analytics/statistics and Evaluation skills must be demonstrated in prior work to be considered for this position.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Posting Information – 

MOUD Project Director-Research Scientist (ID: 21008306)

https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_staff_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=21008306&lang=en.

Please contact Lisa Andrud at lma79@pitt.edu if you have any questions regarding this position.