Career Opportunities

Research specialist Kayne Mettert and Claire Allen, MPH, an implementation and evaluation associate in the Learning Health System Program.

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute hires talented professionals to join us in our mission to improve health and health care for all. Below are a select openings. For information on other career opportunities at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, check Kaiser Permanente Washington's job site.

Open positions

Manager, Evaluation Division (CCHE)

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) is seeking a Manager, Evaluation Division in the Center for Community Health and Evaluation (CCHE). At CCHE, we partner with health organizations and foundations to improve the health of communities. We take a collaborative and customized approach to program design, evaluation, and learning what works. Clients partner with us for our distinctive level of partnership, realistic approach to design and measurement, and passion for using data for learning and improvement.

KPWHRI is an internationally recognized research organization that conducts epidemiologic, health services, preventative, and clinical research to improve health, health equity, and health care. The Institute’s research is primarily funded through federal grants and contracts that total more than $60 million annually. KPWHRI’s position within Kaiser Permanente Washington, a not-for-profit health care delivery system in the Pacific Northwest, provides a natural laboratory to leverage healthcare data to study important health issues through clinical trials and observational studies. KPWHRI has over 300 employees, including a faculty of over 40 doctorate-level scientists trained in medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and biostatistics. KPWHRI is part of a vibrant regional research community including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center.

CCHE seeks a division manager to lead evaluation projects, supervise staff, and support CCHE operational priorities. Requirements of this position include experience as a supervisor and managing teams, experience designing and leading complex evaluations ideally with foundations in a consultative capacity, excellent oral and written communication skills and a strong interest in working collaboratively with internal and external partners from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. This position is structured so that approximately 60% effort will be devoted to leading evaluations, and 40% effort will be for supervision and administration. Applicants who represent the broad range of diversity and lived experiences in our communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply:
Please submit a letter of interest & CV (or resume) via KP’s online application system here:

Manager Evaluation Division at Kaiser Permanente (kaiserpermanentejobs.org)

Questions about the position can be directed to maggie.e.jones@kp.org, Hiring Manager or Stacey.D.Adams@kp.org, Talent Acquisition Consultant. Additional application procedures may be required. For full consideration, submit materials by April 15, 2022; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.

This position supports Kaiser Permanente’s code of conduct and compliance by adhering to all laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

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Director Grants Administration

Location: Seattle, WA Job Number: 1040860 Date posted: 2/17/2022

Description:
SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY AND THE NATION BY LEADING THE GRANTS AND CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS UNIT OF THE KAISER PERMANENTE WASHINGTON HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE, A PUBLIC INTEREST ORGANIZATION EMBEDDED IN ONE OF THE NATION’S PREMIERE INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS. THIS WASHINGTON STATE-BASED POSITION WILL COLLABORATE WITH LEADING HEALTH SCIENTISTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTION FOR RESEARCH THAT AIMS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND HEALTH EQUITY FOR OUR KAISER PERMANENTE MEMBERS AND ALL COMMUNITIES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND EVALUATION. WE’RE LOOKING FOR A DEDICATED AND INNOVATIVE LEADER WHO IS EXCITED TO JOIN A WORKFORCE THAT VALUES DIVERSITY AND WORKING WITH PEOPLE FROM A BROAD RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE STRONG MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, AND DEVELOPING EFFICIENT SYSTEMS.

Accountable for managing, directing and leading the Pre-Award & Post-Award Grant Administration units of KPWHRI Oversees and directs Pre- Award development, Post-Award financial management and related regulatory research compliance as applies to administering of funded awards from federal, state, and other funding agencies, foundations and industries. Accountable for the day-to-day direction and management of staff to assure units are managed within budget, and staff expertise and customer service goals are developed. Informs, interprets and/or seeks legal expertise as appropriate regarding changes in federal, state, local regulations and organizational policies. Serves as a liaison with the Kaisers national research office, federal agencies and other Kaiser research centers. Facilitates collaboration with other units of the Financial Research Administration (FRA) department, within the institute and other Kaiser regional research centers.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership & Direction: Provides leadership, operational and strategic direction for Pre-Award & Post-Award Grant Administration. Develops departmental goals and operational plans that are aligned with KPWA and KPWHRI missions and business goals. Integrates operations of these functional areas/units with the overall mission and scientific agenda of KPWHRI. Participates in leadership teams, setting strategic direction, developing and implementing policies to facilitate research and financial compliance, and engaging in problem solving and decision-making for Institute-wide issues. May lead or serve on standing committees or ad hoc work groups in support of key goals, improvement or regulatory initiatives. Participates in annual strategic and operational planning, design and deployment of initiatives at KPWHRI. Supports the Institute's mission & promotes KP values, fosters effective communication, problem solving, identifies issues and makes solution-based recommendations.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitors and assures grant proposals are submitted and awarded grants are compliant and consistent with all applicable federal, state, local regulations, KFRI and KPWA policies and procedures. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and guidance for the Pre-Award & Post-Award Grant Administration teams. Monitors compliance of those policies that are owned by the unit. In collaboration with KPWHRI Research Operations & Business Systems unit the Post-Award team assures all post-award activities are managed according to all applicable regulations, deadlines and contractual clauses. Coordinates with KFRI and or KPWA Financial Services as necessary for completion of requested audits.
Administration & Management: Provides management oversight of grant administration staff. Responsible for the day to day management and supervision of staff, and budget management oversight. Develops effective teambuilding within the Grant Administration units and across the FRA department. Creates collaborative and highly effective teams. Assures all faculty and staff remain current in the knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations that govern grants. Oversees the preparation of grant proposals and related agreements. Negotiates with collaborators and funders (e.g., NIH Officers, Contracting Officers). May approve and sign submissions, contracts, subcontracts and agreements on behalf of KPWHRI as an Institutional Authorized individual with signature authority. Ensure staff engage in financial audits.
Research Efficient Systems: Develops and promotes use of standard work. Applies Lean methods to improve or develop new processes in response to new regulations or the implementation of new systems. Monitors and evaluates system and process effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement. Develops and maintains an administrative structure and staffing to effectively address KPWHRI goals and objectives. Plans, provides and/or coordinates training and educational programs on KPWA, KFRI and KPWHRI policies, procedures and relevant Federal and State regulations to all Institute staff. Consults and collaborates with KPWHRI Leadership, investigators, managers and supervisors to identify training needs. Works cross-functionally to support process improvement initiatives and the development of management systems for performance and productivity monitoring.
Communication & Collaboration: Principal point of institutional contact for NIH and other sponsored research program officers. Maintains effective working relationships with key funding agency representatives. Maintains effective working relationships with personnel in other KPWA an KFRI departments, and with KPWHRI faculty, physicians and other related staff. Serves as a resource to research leaders, faculty and staff in the development of research proposals and management of grants.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience

Minimum seven (7) years of experience in each of the following: supervisory or management experience; progressive management and leadership experience in a health care, research or academic setting required.

Education

B.A./B.S. in a Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, Business or Accounting with emphasis in Business, Accounting, Management, Finance, Research Administration, or Health Care.

License, Certification, Registration

Additional Requirements:

Familiarity with sponsored programs.
Experience in general management & financial management.
Progressively responsible management/supervisory experience which has included two or more of the following in a research administration environment: Grant administration; effectively leading complex teams including: mentoring, coaching, providing performance management and development and administering organizational policies.
Experience in developing and deploying new processes or standard work and developing and deploying training programs.
Advanced leadership, business and operational planning, budget management, change management and organizational skills.
Ability to provide guidance and leadership to research administrative staff.
Ability to work effectively with investigators, administration and scientific staff.
Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and managerial skills.
Provide individual, team building and develop interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and train technical and research administrative staff.
Advanced ability to lead, guide and integrate strategic planning processes and organizational goal development.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and laws (e.g. employment, sponsored government research, applicable OMB uniform guidance and super circulars).
Strong analytical skills.
Skills in business process engineering, streamlining systems and operations, formulating policies and procedures, and developing and implementing new internal processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ten (10) years of experience in each of the following: supervisory or management experience; progressive management and leadership and supervision experience of sponsored research grant administration staff.
Experience managing sponsored research grants and awards.
Master's degree in a related Biomedical or Health Services, Business or related fields of Accounting, Health Care, Public Administration or Public Health
Demonstrated leadership and expertise in sponsored research administration, preferably in a not-for-profit health care, scientific, or academic research setting.
Proven outcomes in increasing engagement & productivity of staff and teams following Lean methodology.
Advanced ability to motivate, engage and empower staff to improve their work processes and build new capacity and capabilities following Lean methodology. Additionally, must demonstrate experience with leading change, promoting innovation, engaging others, development of self and others, a focus on customer service and delivering quality results on time.
Advanced policy and procedure development skills. Working knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and Super Circulars and applicable grants policy statements. Familiarity with KFHPW Systems and knowledge of KP policies and procedures.
Excellent analytical skills, and the ability to implement and or oversee training for research administrative and analytical staff who support institute-wide systems.

Primary Location: Washington, Seattle, Met Park East 1730 Minor Ave. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: Day Workdays: Mon-Fri Working Hours Start: 8:00AM Working Hours End: 5:00PM Job Schedule: Full-time Job Type: Standard Employee Status: Regular Employee Group/Union Affiliation: Non-Union Job Level: Individual Contributor Job Category: Director/Senior Director Department: KPWHRI Travel: No

Apply for Director Grants Administration

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Associate or Senior Doctorate-level Faculty Investigator Position

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) is seeking a mid-career or senior doctoral-level investigator (equivalent in rank to Associate or Full Professor) with nationally recognized research expertise in aging/geriatrics, brain health, and/or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) research to join our faculty. This recruitment is part of the Institute’s succession planning and includes taking a visible leadership role within a well-established and successful aging research program, the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) cohort study. ACT is a unique ‘living-laboratory’ of aging focused on finding ways to delay or prevent ADRD. Launched in 1994, ACT enrolls Kaiser Permanente Washington members who are free of ADRD and follows them biannually with in-depth assessments; extensive electronic health record data supplement patient-generated data from surveys and biometric devices. ACT recently received a 5-year NIH U19 grant from the National Institute on Aging to extend this unparalleled long-running cohort study of brain health and dementia. The ACT U19 involves close collaboration with researchers at the University of Washington and across the country, and includes 3 projects, 6 cores, and several ancillary studies. Collectively, ACT research focuses on a wide range of aging topics, including vision, traumatic brain injury, physical activity, sleep, and other health behaviors; life course risk factors, including social determinants of health; pharmacoepidemiology; subtypes of ADRD; neuropathology; and neuroimaging and has provided rich insights to support improved understanding of aging. In addition to serving as a lead investigator for ACT, the successful candidate will maintain an independent program of extramurally funded research.

We seek applicants with formal research training, an MD or PhD, and content expertise in aging epidemiology, geriatrics and/or brain health, particularly ADRD, including (but not limited to) MD or PhD clinicians. The ideal candidate will also have:

National and/or international recognition as a leader in aging/geriatrics/Alzheimer’s Disease research.
A successful history of extramural research funding.
Strong leadership skills including experience leading large, collaborative research consortia, projects, and/or epidemiologic cohorts as principal investigator
Ability to provide high-level administrative direction for all facets of research to assure scientific rigor and integrity and anticipate impact of scientific decisions on study operations.
A history of publishing in high impact journals and giving invited scientific presentations.
Participation in prominent national-level service activities.
A demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing the careers of junior scientists and staff.
Prior involvement in promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity and a commitment to ACT’s and KPWHRI’s equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts.
Interest in working collaboratively with faculty, staff, trainees, and students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, mentees, subcontractors, consultants, funding agency personnel, and staff at all levels.

The position is located in Seattle, Washington and residence within Washington state is required. Applicants who represent the broad range of diversity and lived experiences in our communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

KPWHRI is an internationally recognized research organization that conducts epidemiologic, health services, preventative, and clinical research to improve health, health equity, and health care for all people. It is one of eight regional research institutes within Kaiser Permanente, all of which conduct public-domain science. That is, while work of the Institute advances care delivery within Kaiser Permanente, our research is not proprietary. We seek to generate knowledge and transform health and health care for all. The Institute’s research is primarily funded through federal grants and contracts that total more than $60 million annually. Our position within Kaiser Permanente Washington (www.kp.org/wa), a not-for-profit health care delivery system headquartered in Seattle, provides a natural laboratory to study important health issues through clinical trials and observational studies which leverage our unique access to members and healthcare data.

KPWHRI has over 300 employees, including a faculty of over 60 scientists trained in public health, medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and biostatistics. It is part of a vibrant regional research community including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center. Most faculty at KPWHRI have affiliate positions at these local research institutions and collaborate locally and nationally. The culture at KPWHRI is highly collaborative, productive, and respectful of the lived experiences of community members, research participants, and employees.

To apply: Please submit a letter of interest, research statement, and CV via Kaiser Permanente’s online application system using one of these links:

Associate Investigator: https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/associate-investigator-kpwhri/641/23405431232
Senior Investigator: https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/senior-investigator-kpwhri/641/23405431248

Questions about the position can be directed to Jessica.Chubak@kp.org, Search Committee Co-Chair, or Stacey.D.Adams@kp.org, Talent Acquisition Consultant. Additional application procedures may be required. For full consideration, submit materials by April 15, 2022; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including but not limited to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. This position supports Kaiser Permanente’s code of conduct and compliance by adhering to all laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

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Senior Research Associate Position

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) is seeking a Senior Research Associate to collaborate on research in geriatrics and aging conducted in real-world health care settings.

The Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) U19 is a newly funded five-year award to support a long-running epidemiologic cohort study of aging, brain health, and dementia. In this newly created position, we are seeking a senior-level Research Associate to provide strategic scientific leadership and administrative direction for ACT’s research and data infrastructure. This Senior Research Associate will work closely with a multi-disciplinary, multi-site team led by Drs. Eric Larson, Dori Rosenberg and Jennifer Nelson at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) who are currently leading ACT’s clinical, epidemiologic, and data science activities in partnership with University of Washington (UW) researchers. We are seeking an outstanding scientist committed to designing and conducting inclusive and innovative research in health care systems to better understand dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease risk and to improve disease prevention. The successful applicant will have: 1) demonstrated senior-level research experience, including applied knowledge of research consortia and epidemiologic cohorts; 2) excellent interpersonal and leadership skills; 3) demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, subcontractors, consultants, funding agency personnel, and staff at all levels; 4) demonstrated ability to drive and manage a complex research program with multiple projects and collaborators; 5) topical expertise in aging/geriatrics research; 6) experience with consensus building, including firsthand knowledge of program management best practices, group dynamics, team building and facilitation skills; and 7) demonstrated ability to adapt systems and approaches to evolving circumstances.

The position will involve leadership and support for a variety of both operational and scientific aspects of the ACT research program. Responsibilities will include: partnering with the principal investigators and ACT leadership bodies to develop and implement efficient and effective governance processes suited to large research networks; developing effective internal and external communication approaches to fulfill the ACT program’s overall objective of being a living laboratory for the study of brain aging; collaborating with senior scientists from a variety of disciplines (e.g., geriatrics, health services, epidemiology, pharmacogenomics, neuropathology) to achieve project goals, including making direct and substantive scientific contributions based on individual expertise; overseeing implementation of data collection and management including migration of data collection from hard copy to electronic data capture tools; developing, implementing and managing policies and procedures to support data and resource sharing in a complex environment; providing scientific input to technical staff regarding structure, connectivity, and management of large health datasets; and partnering with the ACT Research Program’s Project Manager to provide overall direction for key research administration tasks, including contracts, data use, financial management, progress reports to funders, and IRB/compliance activities. Additionally, the ACT U19 Research Program is currently expanding the cohort to include new enrollees from diverse geographic and racial/ethnic backgrounds and the Research Associate in this position will help guide this expansion. Direct mentorship from KPWHRI faculty will be provided.

KPWHRI is an internationally recognized research organization that conducts epidemiologic, health services, preventative, and clinical research to improve health, health equity, and health care. The Institute’s research is primarily funded through federal grants and contracts that total more than $60 million annually. KPWHRI’s position within Kaiser Permanente Washington (www.kp.org/wa), a not-for-profit health care delivery system in the Pacific Northwest, provides a natural laboratory to leverage healthcare data to study important health issues through clinical trials and observational studies. KPWHRI has over 300 employees, including a faculty of over 40 doctorate-level scientists trained in medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and biostatistics. KPWHRI is part of a vibrant regional research community including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center.

Requirements of this position include: excellent oral and written communication skills and a strong interest in working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds. Applicants who represent the broad range of diversity and lived experiences in our communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply:
Please submit a letter of interest & CV (or resume) via KP’s online application system using one of these links:

RA III (10 years of experience with a Master’s or 4 years of experience with a PhD): https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/research-associate-iii-kpwhri/641/19223241888
RA IV (12 years of experience with a Master’s or 8 years of experience with a PhD): https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/job/seattle/research-associate-iv-kpwhri/641/28073106176

Questions about the position can be directed to Erin.A.Bowles@kp.org, Hiring Manager or Stacey.D.Adams@kp.org, Talent Acquisition Consultant. Additional application procedures may be required. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

This position supports Kaiser Permanente’s code of conduct and compliance by adhering to all laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and internal policies and procedures.

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Last update 5/16/2022

Learn about

Our Mission

Our culture

About 300 people work at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) with a commitment to improving health care for all. In return, the Institute provides competitive wages and excellent benefits, including medical coverage for permanent staff and eligible dependents from the first day of work. We have a relaxed and intellectually stimulating working environment and we value diversity.

We work on about 340 research projects at any given time. Many are multi-site studies conducted in collaboration with researchers from other health care and academic organizations, including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and other leading research institutions.

Our offices and research clinic are located in downtown Seattle, close to South Lake Union and Seattle’s biotech community.