The Recruitment Core of SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research

San Diego State University, San Diego CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

RECRUITMENT CORE - Project Summary It is well recognized that scientific research has produced copious amounts of knowledge; however, a significant delay remains from scientific discoveries to the application of those discoveries. SDSU and SDSUIV are dedicated to addressing health disparities with their partners by reducing this knowledge-to-practice lag. However, there are few mid-level to senior implementation scientists at SDSU and SDSUIV to foster the translation of research to evidence-based practices and policies. Having few senior faculty with research expertise in implementation science adversely affects whether evidence generated by scientific research is adopted, implemented, and sustained in our local communities. It also adversely affects the institution's ability to compete for extramural funding in this timely field. The objectives of the Recruitment Core (RC) are to increase faculty expertise and minority health and health disparities research in implementation science. We propose the following two specific aims that align with the goals of the RCMI specialized centers: 1) Recruit, hire, and support a mid-level to senior implementation scientist with a record of independent NIH funding; and 2) Collaborate with the Center Cores. To accomplish Aim 1, RC will establish recruitment and hiring committees to organize an inclusive search and recruitment process. The recruitment committee will conduct outreach and marketing activities to reach diverse candidates. Furthermore, the hiring committee will evaluate candidates who apply for the position using SDSU-approved hiring rubrics to obtain a short list for telephone interviews. Then, RC will facilitate candidate in-person interviews at SDSU. Subsequently, the hiring committee will rank finalists and provide this ranking to the appropriate College Dean and Provost who will handle the negotiation process. Finally, the RC will provide the newly hired faculty member with substantial financial, informational, and instrumental support to facilitate transfer and start-up of research at SDSU or SDSUIV. To accomplish Aim 2, the hired faculty member will be integrated into all aspects of the Center. They will deliver career enhancement seminars focused on implementation science (Administrative Core). In addition, the hired faculty member will serve as a mentor to Investigator Development Core Pilot Project recipients whose research focuses on implementation science. The hired faculty member will join the Research Capacity Core’s (RCC’s) Intervention Methods Group to assist future researchers in conducting implementation science research. In addition, RCC and Community Engagement Core will assist the newly hired faculty member with starting up their research with partners in San Diego and Imperial Counties. This innovative RC will serve as a new model for implementation science faculty recruitment hiring and support and will involve a Community Coalition member in the hiring process. To continue to develop SDSU’s and our nation’s capacity in translating evidence to practices and policies, it is essential that SDSU hire a mid-level to senior faculty member with an NIH funding history in implementation science.