Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor (Without Tenure), Family Medicine, Research

The Department of Family Medicine (DFM) in conjunction with the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington has a unique opportunity to recruit a clinical-research faculty member with interest in pursuing research that spans the fields of laboratory medicine and primary care.

Laboratory Medicine is a core component of clinical practice in family medicine, yet there are relatively few collaborations on shared research opportunities across these fields.  Use of laboratory tests has been increasing steadily (in some cases exponentially), reflecting increased patient and provider interest in precision medicine, as well as clinical needs for ongoing monitoring of multiple chronic diseases. Laboratory testing has further advanced with scientific/technological advances in point of care testing, self-testing, and an emerging array of novel biomarkers focused on conditions relevant to primary care.  Despite these changes, there are relatively few collaborations between these specialties. We therefore believe that this new  position is a unique opportunity that will foster significant new areas of collaborative practice-changing research. 

We invite applications for appointment as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor without tenure (WOT) due to source of funding in the Department of Family Medicine and joint appointment with the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. The successful applicant will be on a full-time, 12-month (July 1 - June 30) appointment in the clinician researcher pathway. The expected start date is September 1, 2021, or soon thereafter.

Both Departments have long established success in multiple areas of research but have recently created a unique new faculty position to support a new stream of collaborative research spanning our two departments. The position would come with significant startup funds to support salary and some research infrastructure, and the successful candidate will be expected to develop a stream of externally-funded research.

Potential areas of focus for the position could include the following:

• Improved precision of diagnosis for management of infections and/or antibiotic stewardship in ambulatory care using new inflammatory markers, pathogen detection, or real time antibiotic resistance markers.
• Laboratory Test Stewardship in family medicine: Developing evidence to support appropriate test utilization in family medicine, examining overuse/underuse of tests, quality improvement, value-based quality markers
• Evaluating new cancer blood biomarkers intended for use in primary care settings for cancer screening and diagnosis.
• Measuring and improving disparities in access to laboratory testing among underserved populations and settings
• Clinical informatics and data science involving complex data sharing, machine learning / predictive analytics, natural language processing, and data visualization leveraging UW Medicine electronic medical records and UW Medicine laboratory medicine databases.
• Creation of a unique ‘test bed’ for new diagnostic technologies, such as point of care tests, home tests, novel biomarkers, taking advantage of integrated UW Neighborhood Clinic and UW Medicine hospital system, and laboratory medicine and informatics resources.
• Developing new methods for diagnostic or prognostic research that combines laboratory tests with clinical signs/symptoms – such as clinical prediction algorithms, risk stratification etc.
• Educational efforts to disseminate best practices through various educational efforts at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, both within UW and across partner sites in WWAMI.
• Developing training in laboratory certification for family medicine residents/graduates as part of their training
• Participation in or expansion of existing system-wide laboratory formulary committee activities
• Interaction with payors to develop stewardship and authorization strategies that align incentives between UW Medicine and insurers

The Departments of Family Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology are both committed to promoting health equity and creating an inclusive culture by maintaining a diverse faculty and values each individual’s unique contributions. Positive factors for consideration include, but are not limited to, candidates with experience and interest that align with existing major areas of research in the section who have demonstrated a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology are committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from under represented candidates.

This position will be expected to engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary research, which are crucially important in Family Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and to the success of our research enterprises. This position will be expected to develop a record of outstanding research productivity and obtain external funding. Successful candidates will be expected to generate external funding from grants and contracts as a principal investigator or co-investigator in collaboration with other investigators in the Departments of Family Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, as well as other departments or Schools at UW.

Other duties expected of successful candidates include teaching and services aligned with the academic mission of University of Washington, commensurate with rank. Clinicians are expected to participate in clinical practice at UW Medicine clinical sites.  This would include outpatient family medicine, and if desired obstetrics and inpatient attending at the UWMC-Northwest Campus.

Qualifications

Applicants are required to either have an MD, DO, or foreign equivalent with current certification by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Applicants must have a license or be license eligible in Washington State. In order to be eligible for University sponsorship for an H-1B visa, graduate of foreign (non-U.S.) medical schools must show successful completion of all three steps of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), or equivalent as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Application Instructions

Applicants should apply through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/87602) with a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least two references. For informal enquires, potential candidates should contact Dr. Matthew Thompson, Vice Chair for Research mjt@uw.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).