Job Information
University of Utah Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) in Salt Lake City, Utah
Position Information
Position/Rank Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR)
Department 00223 - Family and Preventive Medicine
City Salt Lake City, UT
Track Track Dependent on Qualifications
New Position to Begin
Details
Center for Medical Cannabis Research ( CMCR ) Director
The University of Utah is seeking a nationally recognized cannabis researcher, to serve as the Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research ( CMCR ), a state-sponsored center created by the Utah State Legislature through House Bill 230 during the 2023 legislative session. The Director will organize, implement, and oversee scientific and administrative aspects of the CMCR , in partnership with the Senior Vice President of Health Science Research Unit ( SVPHSRU ) senior manager, the steering committee, 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, as well as coalesce researchers to inform health care providers, lawmakers, and the general public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis.
The successful applicant will also have access to outstanding research services (e.g. Utah Population Database, Clinical & Translational Science Institute, etc.), access to clinical data from the Medical Cannabis Outcomes Research Evaluation ( MCORE ) team and the ability to leverage resources from the Center for Human Toxicology ( CHT ).
Location: Located in metropolitan Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah is the state’s flagship research institution and emphasizes exceptional scholarship, quality teaching, and professional service. The university serves over 32,000 students from across the U.S. and the world with over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation, and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders. Salt Lake City is a vibrant, major metropolitan area with a diverse, multicultural population and numerous cultural and outdoor activities. This location offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, with ten world-class ski resorts and five national parks within hours of the city. Patients treated at University of Utah Health Sciences Center travel from all areas of Utah and from the five nearby states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada and Arizona, resulting in one of the largest geographic catchment areas of any academic medical center in the United States. Salt Lake City is the center of a metropolitan area with a population of approximately one million residents, has extensive arts and cultural activities, and has a major international airport with a Delta Airlines hub and direct flights to most U.S. cities and direct international flights to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Mexico City. The area has received international recognition for its new light rail system, foodie culture, downtown renewal, and increasing diversity. In 2017, U.S News and World Report ranked Salt Lake City as the 10th best place to live in the nation.
Qualifications
The successful candidate may be recruited as a tenure-track Associate Professor or Full Professor in one of the following schools, colleges, and departments:
School of Medicine Internal Medicine (Epidemiology)
Anesthesiology
Population Health Sciences
Family & Preventative Medicine
Obstetrics/Gynecology
College of Pharmacy
College of Nursing
Applicants with PhDs, MDs, or other Clinical Doctorates in a diverse array of disciplines will be considered.
Successful candidates will have an outstanding record of research productivity in cannabis research which may include any of the following areas, but is not limited to:
Investigating the whole or parts of the Cannabis sativa plant, cannabis extracts or enriched extracts, cannabinoid compounds extracted and derived from cannabis extracts, non-cannabinoid constituents of cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and the components of the endocannabinoid system (the signaling pathways in the body activated by cannabinoids)
Clinical, public health, medical cannabis program related
Development of innovative approaches to addressing medical cannabis’ therapeutic risks and/or benefits
Exploring the analgesic properties of cannabinoids and its constituents
Contraindications, drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, risk of cannabis use disorder
Research related to the potential health effects of various cannabis delivery methods, including vaporizing, ingesting, topical application, and combustion
Novel cultivation, synthesis, and production techniques or frameworks to support research, regulation, and standardization
Addressing social, healthcare systems, policy and economic aspects related to medical cannabis access, use and regulations
Responsibilities
1.0 FTE
The Director will lead the strategic planning and execution of the CMCR . In addition, this role will serve as a liaison for CMCR engagement and interactions with the Office of the President’s government relations staff and legislative bodies. The ideal candidate will lead committees focused on assessing the impact of advancements within the field and 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.
The Director for CMCR should also display strengths in the following areas:
Strong leadership capabilities with an interest in creating multidisciplined teams including cannabis researchers across Utah’s academic institutions
Expertise in a breadth of cannabis related research
Prior experience developing a successful research center or a collaborative cannabis research program
Experienced in setting strategic direction/vision, implementation, and execution
History of successful extramural grant funding (ideally display consistency in receiving NIH grant funding, including collaborative grants)
Interest in developing faculty and training mentorship opportunities
Foster a collaborative and translational approach to research creating a culture of fairness and belonging in H.B. 230
Strong communication skills
Ability to lead, implement, and oversee legislative directives as noted
Maintain organizational goals and budgetary oversight
Engage and seek feedback from key stakeholders and oversee committee/board activities and involvement
Work with senior manager and research associate 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 may provide information and analysis to support formal partnerships with external entities
Identify federal and philanthropic opportunities for funding and work with 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 senior manager to develop community engagement events (ie. annual symposium, workshops, seminars, etc.) maintaining oversight of budgetary requirements
Create networking and collaborative research opportunities with external partners and national cannabis research centers
Complete annual evaluations and reporting activities to the SVPHS and DHHS
For additional information, please contact Valerie Ahanonu (email:valerie.ahanonu@hsc.utah.edu)
Please provide a cover letter, current CV, Research Statement (3-pages max). Reference letters will be solicited after an initial screening process.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Quicklink for Posting:https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/174886
The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“ URS ”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen and immunizations. https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Special Instructions for Candidates
For additional information, please contact Valerie Ahanonu (email:valerie.ahanonu@hsc.utah.edu)
Please provide a cover letter, current CV, Research Statement (3-pages max). Reference letters will be solicited after an initial screening process.
Open Date 12/16/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Requisition Number PRN03731F
Type Faculty
