LeaHD LHS Scientist Request for Applications

This RFA is closed – we are no longer accepting applications for 2024. The next Request for Applications will open in late Fall 2024.

 

The LeaHD LHS Scientist Program

The LeaHD center supports protected time for research scientists to receive formal training and expert mentorship in LHS research, and to become embedded in a selected health system to conduct research. LeaHD LHS Scientist applicants may be academic faculty members, or individuals employed by a health system or community partner organization in clinical or operational leadership roles, or candidates for postdoctoral fellowships.

Mentoring: LHS Scientists are matched with an academic mentor and an on-site (health system) mentor based upon alignment of research interests and health system priorities. Senior academic mentors will proactively track and advise the scientists’ academic development, health system engagement, and research activities.

Core training: LeaHD provides mentored professional development that emphasizes experiential training grounded in competency-based curricula. The 18-month training program includes core didactic activities and individualized training activities, such as training in responsible conduct in research, PCORI Methodology Standards, and planning for dissemination and implementation. Trainees will participate in regular peer-mentoring and “works in progress” meetings, AcademyHealth presentations, and a workshop in grant writing.

Individualized training activities: LHS scientists and their mentors will identify additional coursework, conferences, and workshops to address remaining gaps or targeted skills through development of an individualized training plan (IDP). 

Embedded Research Partnership: LHS Scientists will conduct embedded research within a health system. Health system engagement is critical to help identify, design, and implement a LHS project that meets the priorities of the health system and is feasible to conduct during the training period. The health system mentor will work with the LHS Scientist to co-create the scientist’s research project with guidance from the Academic mentor and other LeaHD methodology experts. Regular health systems engagement throughout the training period helps integrate the LHS scientist into regular operations, identify opportunities and relevant initiatives, and chart the course for the embedded scientists’ activities.

Funding and Eligibility Requirements

Support provided: 

  • Available support for the entire training period of up to $150,000 (total costs, salary and research expenses).* 

*Support includes salary and fringe. The amount awarded will be based upon salary level and research requirements.

  • LHS Scientist at the postdoctoral fellow level will be supported for two years and must devote 100% effort during this time at the approved AHRQ postdoctoral fellowship rate.
  • Other LHS Scientists will be supported for 18 months and must devote a minimum of 40% time and effort during this time.
  • Additional funds for professional development, travel, conferences, coursework, and research expenses are available.

Eligibility: 

LeaHD LHS Scientist applicants may be academic faculty members, or individuals employed by a health system or community partner organization in clinical or operational leadership roles, or candidates for postdoctoral fellowships. Established investigators who are changing their research direction and are new to health systems research would be eligible to apply. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for the program all must have:

  • Doctoral level training or history of research/training experience, and publication and dissemination activities consistent with their current role
  • A documented history of prior research focused on rehabilitation or LTSS services delivery and outcomes for persons with disability and/or chronic conditions. 

Application Process

Application Requirements:

Applications must include: 

  • 1000–2000-word essay describing:

Submit all materials as a single PDF to LeaHDResearch@gmail.com saved as LastName LHS Scientist Application

Selected applicants will:

  • participate in a virtual informational interview with LeaHD leadership to answer questions and discuss potential academic mentor and health system matches 
  • complete the LHS Research Core Competency Needs Assessment to assess the applicant’s knowledge and training goals
  • participate in an interview to clarify goals, training needs, and project ideas.

    After initial interviews, the LeaHD team will confer with potential mentor and health system matches for the top applicants. Interested members of selected health system leadership and potential mentors will be invited to follow-up interviews with applicants to determine fit.

    Key Dates and Deadlines:

    • Applications Due:  January 22, 2024
    • Earliest Start Date:  May 1, 2024

    We are no longer accepting applications for 2024. The next Request for Applications will open in late Fall 2024.