"Center for Medical Cannabis Research 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 healthcare providers, lawmakers, and the public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis. 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. This involves leading 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.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director for the CMCR who excels in the following areas:

• Leadership & Team Building: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, including cannabis researchers from various academic institutions across Utah.
• Research Expertise: Extensive knowledge of cannabis-related research and its applications.
• Center Development: Proven experience in establishing successful research centers or collaborative cannabis research programs.
• Strategic Planning: Skilled in setting strategic direction, overseeing implementation, and ensuring effective execution of initiatives.
• Grant Funding Success: Track record of securing extramural grant funding, with a focus on NIH grants, including collaborative funding opportunities.
• Mentorship & Development: Commitment to fostering faculty development and mentorship programs.
• Collaborative Research Culture: Promote a culture of fairness and belonging in research, in alignment with H.B. 230, while supporting a collaborative and translational research approach.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Legislative Oversight: Capable of leading, implementing, and managing legislative directives effectively.
• Organizational Management: Maintain alignment with organizational goals while managing budgetary oversight.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engage with key stakeholders, ensuring active participation in committees and boards.
• Literature Reviews & Dissemination: Collaborate with senior management and research associates to conduct evidence-based literature reviews and develop dissemination plans for researchers, providers, policymakers, and the public.
• Best Practices Development: Lead a research committee to establish best practices and guidelines for the medical cannabis program.
• Institutional Representation: Act as a representative of the institution, engaging with the university, community, external visitors, and lawmakers to foster partnerships.
• Funding Identification: Identify federal and philanthropic funding opportunities and collaborate with faculty to form research and clinical teams to pursue these opportunities.
• Seed Grant Program Oversight: Oversee the annual seed grant program to stimulate innovative cannabis research projects.
• Community Engagement: Partner with senior management to develop and execute community engagement events such as symposiums, workshops, and seminars, while managing budget requirements.
• Networking Opportunities: Create and nurture networking and collaborative research opportunities with external partners and national cannabis research centers.
• Reporting & Evaluation: Complete annual evaluations and reporting activities for senior leadership, including SVPHS and DHHS.

The Director will 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).

Minimum qualifications: PhD, MD, or Clinical-related Doctorate in Epidemiology, Population Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Toxicology, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology, Nursing, Obstetrics/Gynecology, or similar field.

Preferred qualifications: An outstanding record of research productivity in cannabis research which may include any of the following areas, but is not limited to: Cannabis Plant Research, Clinical and Public Health, Innovative Approaches, Analgesic Properties, Safety and Interactions, Delivery Methods, Cultivation and Production Techniques, and Social and Economic Aspects.

Apply with a cover letter, CV, and research statement at: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/174975

Contact for Inquiries: Valerie Ahanonu at Valerie.ahanonu@hsc.utah.edu