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University of Utah

Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR)

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84193

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Position Information Position/Rank:

Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) Department:

00223 - Family and Preventive Medicine City:

Salt Lake City, UT Track:

Track Dependent on Qualifications Details: 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 health care providers, lawmakers, and the general public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis. The successful applicant will also 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). Qualifications: The successful candidate may be recruited as a tenure-track Associate Professor or Full Professor in one of the following schools, colleges, and departments: School of Medicine Internal Medicine (Epidemiology) Anesthesiology Population Health Sciences Family & Preventative Medicine Obstetrics/Gynecology College of Pharmacy College of Nursing Applicants with PhDs, MDs, or other Clinical Doctorates in a diverse array of disciplines will be considered. Successful candidates will have an outstanding record of research productivity in cannabis research which may include any of the following areas, but is not limited to: Investigating the whole or parts of the

Cannabis sativa

plant, cannabis extracts or enriched extracts, cannabinoid compounds extracted and derived from cannabis extracts, non-cannabinoid constituents of cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and the components of the endocannabinoid system. Clinical, public health, medical cannabis program related. Development of innovative approaches to addressing medical cannabis’ therapeutic risks and/or benefits. Exploring the analgesic properties of cannabinoids and its constituents. Contraindications, drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, risk of cannabis use disorder. Research related to the potential health effects of various cannabis delivery methods. Novel cultivation, synthesis, and production techniques or frameworks to support research, regulation, and standardization. Addressing social, healthcare systems, policy, and economic aspects related to medical cannabis access, use, and regulations. Responsibilities: Lead the strategic planning and execution of the CMCR. Serve as a liaison for CMCR engagement and interactions with the Office of the President’s government relations staff and legislative bodies. Lead committees focused on assessing the impact of advancements within the field and communicating evidence-based research and outcomes to the legislature and public. Participate in appropriations request development and testimony. Ensure alignment and strategic implementation of H.B. 230 directives. Display strengths in leadership, expertise in cannabis-related research, and prior experience developing a successful research center or collaborative cannabis research program. Set strategic direction/vision, implementation, and execution. Maintain organizational goals and budgetary oversight. Engage and seek feedback from key stakeholders. Work with senior manager and research associate to organize evidence-based literature reviews. Lead research committee in developing medical cannabis best practices and guidelines. Identify federal and philanthropic opportunities for funding. Oversee the development and execution of the annual seed grant program. Develop community engagement events. Create networking and collaborative research opportunities. Complete annual evaluations and reporting activities to the SVPHS and DHHS. Application Instructions: For additional information, please contact Valerie Ahanonu (email:

valerie.ahanonu@hsc.utah.edu ). Please provide a cover letter, current CV, and Research Statement (3-pages max). Reference letters will be solicited after an initial screening process. Salary commensurate with experience. EEO/Non-Discrimination Information: All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Notice: This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen and immunizations.

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