The High Plains Research Network seeks a full-time Director who is committed to rural health,understands and is passionate about the unique assets in rural communities andpractices, and is curious about how to make life better.

The High Plains Research Network (HPRN), founded in 1997, is a nationallyrecognized geographically based practice- and community-based research networkin rural eastern Colorado. The HPRNMission Statement, “To provideexcellent rural health care by translating the best scientific evidence intoevery-day clinical practice,” has engaged the network in a wide range ofresearch funded by local, state, and federal agencies, including: colon cancerprevention, asthma management, cardiovascular disease, cancer survivorship, underinsurance,mental health, practice transformation, and opioid use disorder. Linkingprimary care, behavioral health, public health, and community organizations intolocal communities of solution is the driving force for the HPRN.

HPRN is based in the School ofMedicine Department of Family Medicine (DFM) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU) and is part of the SNOCAP(State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and Partners) Practice-basedResearch Network collaborative at CU. CU Anschutz is a national leader in lifesciences research. It is one of the world's newest education, research andpatient care facilities and the largest academic health center from Chicago tothe West Coast, north of Texas.  The CU DFM is the second largestdepartment of family medicine in the country and is recognized as one of thetop academic family medicine departments in the nation.

In addition to the Director, the HPRN staff includes a co-Director whooversees day to day functioning of the network and projects, provides directsupervision to HPRN staff, and works closely in support of the Director. HPRN employsfour staff who live and work in the HPRN region, working directly withpractices and community partners to implement projects and participating in thespectrum of research activities. Infrastructure support is offered through the DFM’sgrants and contracts, biostatistics, and administrative support teams.  

The HPRN is guided by an active Community Advisory Council of localfarmers, ranchers, business owners, retirees, students, and other communitymembers. This group participates in all aspects of the research from topicselection to methods and interpretation of results to dissemination throughpresentations and co-authorship of manuscripts.

There is a robust history of the Director working with the communityand practices to initiate and complete research in a variety of clinicaltopics.  Current HPRN studies includework on Home Blood Pressure Management (Just Check It), Opioid Use Disorder andMedication Assisted Treatment (IT MATTTRs Colorado, funded by the Agency forHealthcare Research and Quality), Home Blood Pressure Management (Just CheckIt, funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), COPD(CAPTURE, funded by NIH), and practice transformation through the Colorado StateInnovation Model (SIM) and EvidenceNow Southwest (AHRQ funded). The newDirector will participate in these projects.

HPRN is based in the School ofMedicine Department of Family Medicine (DFM) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU) and is part of the SNOCAP(State Networks of Colorado Ambulatory Practices and Partners) Practice-basedResearch Network collaborative at CU. CU Anschutz is a national leader in lifesciences research. It is one of the world's newest education, research andpatient care facilities and the largest academic health center from Chicago tothe West Coast, north of Texas.  The CU DFM is the second largestdepartment of family medicine in the country and is recognized as one of thetop academic family medicine departments in the nation.

Position Duties:

The Director will oversee all aspects of the research, communication,fiscal, and administration of the network. The HPRN requires travel to visitpractices and communities in eastern Colorado. There is potential to practicepart-time in the HPRN. The Director reports to the Vice Chair of Research inthe DFM.  Anticipated hiring rank:Associate Professor.

Program Leadership and Vision:

• Serve as the leader, visionary, and key spokesperson for HPRN
• Ensure projects and programs align with and donot overreach the HPRN       mission
• Build and maintain relationships withclinicians, practice staff, other health care facilities, and community membersin the HPRN region
• Provide leadership and direction to the HPRNCommunity Advisory Council, including project identification and development andadvocacy for the C.A.C. and community engaged research
• Understand rural primary care health and servicesdelivery issues and successes in Colorado
• Establish and maintain communication and promotecollaboration within CU and other organizations.
• Promote the work of the HPRN within theDepartment, CU, and local, national, and international foundations and organizations

Research and Program Development:

• Actively learn health concerns of communitymembers, clinicians, and practice teams in the HPRN region
• Regularly seek funding opportunities, developresearch questions, and prepare proposals for studies and programs that reflecthealth priorities identified by the HRPN C.A.C. and practice teams and thataddress health topics relevant to rural eastern Colorado.
• Identify opportunities to collaborate with teamsacross departments, local organizations, and academic institutions across thecountry to conduct research and disseminate findings and tested interventions.
• Ensure HPRN projects meet regulatory, fiscal,and funder requirements.
• Create innovative, testable interventions withthe research team and community members that support rural health and providesustainable solutions to rural communities and practices

Training and Mentorship:

• Provide professional development and researchmentorship to junior faculty and research staff in the Department of FamilyMedicine
• Support the HPRN co-Director
• Provide oversight of the HPRN staff and identifyprofessional development opportunities

Clinical Care:

• Provide outstanding care to patients in aclinical setting (20%)

Minimum Requirements:

• Terminal degree in Medicine or Osteopathy(MD/DO).
• Board Certified in Family Medicine.
• Ability to obtain Colorado Medical License and possessionof a current DEA Certificate.
• Ability to be fully credentialed in the UCH (orother appropriate clinical) system.
• Demonstrated experience writing and managing grants.
• Demonstrated experience managing a research team.
• Experience engaging community members and practices in healthresearch.
• Experience supervising staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the geography of Colorado.
• Experience working with community groups.
• Experience working in rural communities.

Knowledge,Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for rural communities and health
• Abilityto establish and maintain effective working relationships with PBRN andDepartment of Family Medicine faculty and staff and external partners.
• Abilityto maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Capacityfor flexibility and adaptability in different work situations.
• Abilityto work well with diverse populations. 

Salary andBenefits:

Salaryis commensurate with skills and experience. The University of Colorado offers afull benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, includingeligibility, is located at Employee Services.

TheUniversity of Colorado Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secureenvironment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist inachieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospectiveemployees.

TheUniversity of Colorado strongly supports the principle of diversity. Weencourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilitiesand all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity andequality in education and employment.

TheImmigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employmenteligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day ofwork. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for personswith disabilities.