Director Investigative Science

Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) is seeking a nationally prominent scientific investigator and exceptional leader to serve as its next Director of our Investigative Science Division. We welcome applications from well-qualified candidates with a strong track record of scientific administrative leadership in addition to having a proven track record of sustained extramural research funding and scholarly productivity as a Senior Investigator (or equivalent Full Professor) in Health Services Research, Behavioral Science, Health Policy, Epidemiology or other health science disciplines well-aligned with our mission and environment. KPWHRI is part of a world-class research hub in Seattle, Washington with a flexible work setting accommodating both onsite and remote work in the states of WA or ID. Applicants reflecting the broad diversity and lived experiences in our communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Learn more at https://www.kpwashingtonresearch.org/about-us and https://www.kpwashingtonresearch.org/about-us/careers/jobs.

Under the leadership of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, the Director Investigative Science Division is responsible for providing strategic oversight for the KPWHRI Investigative Science Division and, as part of the Institute Leadership Team (ILT), contributing to the high-level administrative and scientific oversight of the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI). The Director Investigative Science Division provides sponsorship of KPWHRI strategic efforts; oversight of the Investigative Science Division including assuring adequate staffing and ongoing quality improvement; supervision and mentorship of the managers and scientists in the Investigative Science Division; budgetary oversight; and oversees hiring and promotion policies and practices within the division. This position also acts as a liaison between the Investigative Science Division and the other division directors, attending relevant meetings. In addition to these administrative duties, the director acts as a scientific investigator and develops, leads, and maintains an independent research program resulting in national and international recognition for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and KPWHRI, and advises the health plan and national policy makers.

• Provides strategic and managerial oversight for the Investigative Science Division including recruiting and hiring of new investigators aligned with scientific strategic planning for the institute. Provides direct supervision, management, and professional development for Managers and Scientific Investigators, including annual performance evaluation, feedback and assessment of readiness for promotion. Attends annual calibration meetings.


• Contributes to strategic planning/implementation for KPWHRI, serves as sponsor for KPWHRI strategic efforts.  Participates in the development of KPWHRI goals & objectives and research & evaluation agendas. Provides support for organizational growth and operation. Responsible for disseminating communications bi-directionally between division and ILT. Actively participates in Institute Leadership Team and other relevant groups and meetings. Acts as a liaison between Investigative Science Division and other divisions within KPWHRI to assure high-quality research and administration.


• Oversees division budget including, managing Innovation and compliance FTE, discretionary funds, training funds, and bridge support.


• Maintains accurate budget forecasts, monitors expenditures, and sets annual division budget.


• Plans, initiates and manages scientific research and evaluation programs on topics of national and international importance. Identifies research issues, designs complex research projects, obtains and serves as principal investigator on major research grants & contracts.


• Develops & manages a program of research including multiple grants & contracts and a large research team, in critical areas. Recruits, trains and supports multi-disciplinary teams including other internal & external scientific investigators. Recognized as a national/international leader in research specialty area including principal investigator of major research studies of national importance. Provides substantial service to KPWHRI and national community related to research expertise (e.g., peer review of grants/paper, serving on national committees).


• Analyzes and synthesizes research findings. Represents KPWHRI within KFHPW and to the national & international health care & scientific community when reporting research findings of major importance in leading scientific journals and presenting research findings and policy recommendations to health care systems and policy-makers. Garners an international scientific reputation. Recognized as a national/international leader in research specialty area including principal investigator of major research studies of national importance.


• Delivers clear verbal and written communications to staff to implement, monitor, and support the achievement of clinical, professional and regulatory/policy standards within the research team. Establishes a purposeful, productive, and engaging work environment for staff. Adheres to all appropriate and regulatory requirements with HR and KPWHRI leadership.