Professor, University of Michigan Medical School, Learning and Knowledge Systems

Professor, Division of Learning and Knowledge Systems (Multiple Positions)
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

The Department of Learning Health Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School is seeking up to three distinguished scholars to expand substantially its Division of Learning and Knowledge Systems. Successful applicants for these full professorships may also elect to be considered for the role of chief of this division and for an endowed professorship. Professors will be innovative scholars with backgrounds from any of a number of disciplines, including, but not restricted to: information, computing and statistical sciences; public health; informatics; complexity and systems sciences; behavioral and social sciences; organizational and policy sciences; engineering; and economics. Successful applicants will have a record of significant accomplishments in collaboratively addressing the grand challenge of transforming health-related systems locally and globally into entities that learn and improve through self-study in order to benefit the health of individuals and populations.

The Department of Learning Health Sciences (DLHS): The DLHS is a first-in-the-nation academic department focused on learning applied to health at all levels of scale: individuals, teams, organizations, and ultra-large scale systems. DLHS operates in three divisions. (1) The Division of Learning and Knowledge Systems primarily focuses on learning at higher levels of scale. (2) The Division of Professional Education primarily addresses learning by individuals. (3) The Clinical Simulation Center deploys advanced simulation technology and conducts a related program of research. (The DLHS was formerly the Department of Medical Education. With its new name and mission, the department addresses a much broader scope of learning and change.)

The Division of Learning and Knowledge Systems: Within DLHS, this Division is an interdisciplinary community of scientists focused on improving health care at the levels of interprofessional teams, complex organizations, regional networks, national and multi-national systems. The Division addresses how these systems can routinely “learn” and improve through continuous self-study and self-surveillance, applying analytical methods that convert data to knowledge, and subsequent application of that knowledge to drive beneficial change. In collaboration with colleagues across the campus, the Division’s research programs examine fundamental questions and develop novel methods related to the creation, operation, and sustainability of “learning systems” that support health care, public health, and biomedical research. Its educational programs will include a new doctorate in learning health sciences and opportunities to participate in the curricula of other schools and colleges within the University. The Division’s service activities will engage health systems in pursuit of becoming “learning systems.” For further information about DLHS, and the Division, see http://lhs.medicine.umich.edu.

Responsibilities include:

Lead collaborative, cutting-edge research programs related to the design, development, operation, and/or evaluation of learning health systems at the organizational, regional, national, and/or global levels of scale.
Advance the field of learning systems through scholarly development/dissemination of theory, research, and innovation.
Mentor junior faculty in developing successful, productive careers in learning and knowledge systems.
Play a senior role in developing graduate curricula and courses, offering courses relevant to the individual’s background.
Develop and lead programs to assist health-related entities in becoming learning systems.
Help the University of Michigan position itself as a leader in improving health through learning systems.

A generous start-up package will be available. Joint appointments with other University departments will be encouraged.

To qualify for a position, an applicant must have:

A terminal research degree (PhD or equivalent, MD not required) in a relevant discipline – see examples in the first paragraph. (We welcome applications from active clinicians with relevant postgraduate research training.)
A sustained research focus related to the Division’s mission to advance large-scale learning health systems.
A record of scholarly leadership and achievement that would merit appointment as a tenured full professor.
Exceptional leadership, organizational and communication skills for work in an interdisciplinary department.

Application:

To apply, assemble and submit the following information:

Letter of application, addressing the four qualifications listed above.
Current curriculum vitae.

Application materials should be sent by email to:

Tana O’Lone; tdeclerc@umich.edu
Associate Administrator
Department of Learning Health Sciences
University of Michigan Medical School

Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.