Spectrum Health envisions a future where health is simple, affordable, equitable and exceptional. As a commitment to seeing this vision become a reality, we are seeking a Health Equity Research Scientist to lead this important work.

Our Health Equity Research Scientist will function within the Spectrum Health Office of Research & Education (SHORE). At SHORE, we believe research drives innovation and improves scientific and clinical outcomes for all patients across our communities. We strive to perform research which contributes to equitable treatment and patient access regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or living environment. Representation of diverse populations is essential in clinical trials to understand whether drug efficacy or effectiveness, dosage, and safety are equitably measured across populations and to ensure appropriate access to cutting-edge therapies.

The Research Scientist will be accountable for the development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of innovative research that uses and develops scientific models, methods and concepts that support the conduct of clinical research, research utilization, and professional development to improve organizational systems and health outcomes for our communities. This position is well funded and will have support to design a team to best conduct and deliver on this research. The Research Scientist will have a unique ability to build their own team around the future of health equity research in West Michigan.

By conducting research to further understand the healthcare needs of our community, we will be able to:

• Design personalized healthcare treatments which support our precision medicine initiatives

• Improve access to patient care by better understanding barriers and obstacles that are faced by vulnerable populations

• Better understand determinants of health within our community to lead population health initiatives

• Ensure diverse and equitable access to clinical care to achieve optimal health outcomes

• Provide expertise in health equity research and the social determinants of health to support evidence-based inclusive research, and policy development

• Expand our knowledge as a health system to provide better care for ALL of our patients

It's important to know about the unique West Michigan community in which this position resides. Spectrum Health's 14 county footprint includes both urban and rural communities, each with their own challenges to health equity. With our main medical campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, clinical services expand outward across 11 hospitals, three rehabilitation centers, 120 outpatient sites in addition to telehealth services.

Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan with a growing metro area population of over 1 million people. It has been recently identified by Forbes as the #1 best city to raise a family based on cost of living, housing affordability, commute and education. In 2022, US News ranked Grand Rapids 16th best place to live in the United States out of 150 metro areas.

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree in Clinical Sciences, Health/Life Sciences, Humanities, or other related Life Science required.

• 2 years of Relevant Experience required (Directly related clinical and/or health care research experience. Prior work experience in primary care research, prospective research, health services research. Experience in health equity focused research. Must have proven track record for publication and external funding.)

• Ideal candidate will possess PhD degree in applicable discipline and prior work experience in primary research, prospective research, and health services research.

• Ideal candidate will also possess two years of experience in health equity research experience and proven track record for publication and external funding.

• This position will observe normal business professional hours and will be a flexible remote position. Ability to engage within the community and conduct research is a priority.

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CURRENT SPECTRUM HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS – Please apply through Find Jobs from your Workday team member account. This career site is for Non-Spectrum Health team members only.

Spectrum Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors and community. That is why we require a drug-free workplace and various vaccinations as a requirement for employment.

Spectrum Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.

An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447. We are committed to granting reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws.