At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the translation of psychological health research into practical applications for military healthcare.
- Company: Join LAUKOA, a leader in innovative health solutions for the Defence Health Agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, 401k match, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in military mental health and improve lives through evidence-based practices.
- Qualifications: Doctoral degree and experience in research translation within mental healthcare required.
The predicted salary is between 145000 - 165000 £ per year.
LAUKOA is seeking an experienced Implementation Scientist to support the Defense Health Agency Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) located in Silver Spring, MD. This position provides scientific leadership in translating evidence-based psychological health research into sustainable clinical and operational practices across the Military Health System. The successful candidate will work closely with Government stakeholders, clinicians, researchers, and multidisciplinary teams to develop implementation strategies, evaluate program effectiveness, identify barriers to adoption, and promote the successful integration of evidence-based practices that improve psychological health outcomes and military readiness.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide subject matter expertise in implementation science supporting the Defense Health Agency Psychological Health Center of Excellence.
- Develop and execute implementation strategies that facilitate the adoption of evidence-based behavioral health programs and clinical practices.
- Collaborate with Government stakeholders, clinicians, researchers, and multidisciplinary teams to improve implementation of psychological health initiatives.
- Evaluate organizational readiness, implementation barriers, and facilitators affecting program success.
- Design and support implementation frameworks, process improvement initiatives, and change management strategies.
- Analyze implementation outcomes and recommend improvements to increase adoption, sustainability, and program effectiveness.
- Support development of implementation plans for new behavioral health policies, programs, clinical guidance, and research findings.
- Conduct literature reviews and evaluate emerging implementation science methodologies relevant to military psychological health.
- Develop technical reports, white papers, presentations, executive briefings, and recommendations for Government leadership.
- Collaborate with researchers to translate scientific findings into practical applications supporting clinicians, leaders, and Military Health System beneficiaries.
- Support evaluation of evidence-based interventions related to resilience, suicide prevention, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral health, and other psychological health priorities.
- Participate in technical working groups, advisory panels, and strategic planning meetings.
- Ensure all implementation activities comply with accepted scientific methodologies and contract requirements.
- Support continuous quality improvement initiatives across supported programs.
Necessary Skills and Knowledge
- Capability to identify gaps and areas of underperformance in achieving optimal clinical mental health outcomes or the processes and procedures associated with mental healthcare delivery within the MHS.
- Capability to identify and assess potential evidence-based solutions to address gaps or areas where the system is underperforming.
- Capability to lead the development of rapid improvement/implementation science initiatives (i.e., pilot studies) to test the feasibility of solution adoption within the MHS.
- Capability to ensure that study design systematically varies implementation strategies in order to assess the most effective intervention strategies.
- Capability to work closely with stakeholders to identify barriers and facilitators to solution uptake.
- Capability to collaborate with DHA leaders to develop plans to implement successful trials across the MHS enterprise when warranted.
- Capability to produce technical artifacts (e.g., reports, tools, briefings, presentations, and manuscripts) consistent with the KSAs described here and with the broader PHCoE mission set.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree required.
- At least 13 years of full-time post-doctoral work experience directly related to adopting clinical research findings in healthcare delivery systems (i.e., research translation).
- At least 3 years of full-time post-doctoral work leading research translation activities in the mental healthcare space.
- US Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation and Common Access Card (CAC).
- Occasional travel may be required in support of contract performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preference may be given to candidates with experience supporting Defense Health Agency (DHA), Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE), Military Health System (MHS), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Experience implementing evidence-based behavioral health or psychological health programs.
- Experience supporting military medicine, operational medicine, or healthcare transformation initiatives.
- Knowledge of implementation frameworks such as CFIR, RE-AIM, PRISM, or the Knowledge to Action Framework.
- Experience evaluating healthcare delivery, clinical practice adoption, or organizational performance improvement initiatives.
- Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications, implementation research, or scientific presentations.
- Experience supporting federally funded healthcare or behavioral health research programs.
Salary Range
Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000
Position Type
This Position is Contingent Upon Award.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- A 401k program with employer match.
- Paid vacation and sick leave.
- Employer paid basic life and AD&D insurance.
- An Employee Assistance Program.
- A flexible work environment.
- Critical illness coverage.
- Accident insurance.
- Identity theft coverage.
- Pet insurance and more.
We are an Equal Opportunity VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Implementation Scientist employer: Career Opportunities
LAUKOA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Silver Spring, MD, where you can make a meaningful impact on the health and readiness of military personnel. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k program with employer match, and a flexible work culture that promotes work-life balance. Join us to collaborate with leading experts in the field and contribute to vital psychological health initiatives while enjoying opportunities for professional development and advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Implementation Scientist
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Career Opportunities.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Career Opportunities.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Career Opportunities, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Implementation Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Career Opportunities.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Career Opportunities.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Career Opportunities. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Career Opportunities. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Opportunities
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Career Opportunities’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!