Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is seeking experienced, motivated, and dedicated leaders and educators to participate in the design and delivery of an innovative four-year medical school curriculum that engages medical students in active and novel learning.

Required Documents to Apply:

Letter of interest highlighting essential qualifications and interests
A detailed curriculum vitae
Diversity statement

Job Description:

Director of Medical Student Research Projects

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is seeking experienced, motivated, and dedicated leaders and educators to participate in the design and delivery of an innovative four-year medical school curriculum that engages medical students in active and novel learning.

About The Position

The Director of Medical Student Research Projects will be a key leader in the successful implementation of research education strategies for medical students. This role will collaborate closely with the Assistant Dean for Research Education to integrate research into the medical school curriculum, foster mentorship, develop research skills, and promote student engagement in research. The Director will provide operational leadership and ensure that all student research initiatives align with the strategic goals of the institution.

We are building a workplace and learning climate in which inclusive excellence and whole health principles are inextricable parts of our culture and practices. All voices are heard and valued, and professional and personal growth are actively supported. While AWSOM does not have a tenure track, we are building a school that will facilitate exceptional professional development opportunities for our faculty and other team members.

Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions Specific to the Position:

• Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Research Education to develop and execute strategic plans for integrating research education into the medical school curriculum.
• Support alignment of student research projects with the institution’s medical education program objectives, ensuring that they contribute to developing essential research skills and scholarly inquiry.
• Support the implementation of a longitudinal research track, guiding students through progressive research milestones and ensuring they complete a capstone research project.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Medical Student Research Projects.
• Support research mentorship, pairing students with faculty mentors, including clinicians who can provide guidance on research design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Engage with faculty and clinicians to foster a collaborative environment that supports student research and bridges the gap between clinical practice and research.
• Support workshops and training sessions on essential research skills, including statistical analysis, research methodologies, and scientific writing.
• Promote student engagement in research by organizing events such as the Annual Research Day, where students can present their work through posters and oral presentations.
• Ensure all student research projects adhere to institutional policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement assessment tools and metrics to evaluate the success of student research projects, reporting regularly on outcomes and student achievements.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Research Education and Senior Director of Assessment and Evaluation to review educational effectiveness and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Promote the visibility and impact of student research through publications, presentations, and other dissemination strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

• A Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant field.

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in medical education, research management, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and external partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and education.

Preferred Work Experiences and Qualifications

• Experience in grant writing and securing research funding.
• Familiarity with the regulatory and ethical aspects of medical research.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and programs.

Skills Expected of All AWSOM Team Members

• Exemplary written, verbal, and other communication skills
• Adaptable and flexible to the needs of the position and the school
• Collaborative Skills: Build and maintain relationships internal and external to the organization 
• Creative and Open-Minded: Enjoy exploring and supporting innovation in teaching strategies, topic areas, professional growth opportunities, and more
• Discerning: Ability to recognize and support innovation
• Highly self-directed, and reliable and accountable
• Strong commitment to self-care
• Committed to Diversity and Inclusion: Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g., co-workers, students, community members) 
• Ability to effectively mentor a diversity of individuals
• Commitment to meet and maintain professional development requirements related to this role

About Us!

Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the School of Medicine will offer a medical degree-granting program that builds on conventional medicine with an inclusive, compassionate, and whole health approach. The School of Medicine embraces self-care to empower students to care for their patients and themselves and helps them rise to the health challenges of the 21st century with a focus on mental, physical, social, and emotional health. The School will have an attached clinic for training in these concepts. Currently, the School of Medicine seeks to be a national medical school with the goal of welcoming its inaugural class in 2025, pending programmatic and institutional accreditation.

Construction of the 154,000 square-foot building has begun with the goal of completing and welcoming the first class in Fall 2025, pending accreditation. AWSOM will be located east of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

What We Seek

We are building a cadre of medical professionals trained in conventional medicine and in whole health, by reimagining medical education. We seek leaders and faculty who are excited by this endeavor. We are building a health care learning and delivery environment in which diversity is a strength and highly valued. Thus, we seek candidates who contribute to diversity in all its forms. Ideal candidates are committed to our goals of inclusive excellence, and to facilitating optimal health for all using a whole health approach.

Faculty and staff members will contribute to the development and rollout of the ARCHES curriculum, which is built on evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning. It includes the following six core elements:

• Art of Healing
• Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
• Clinical Care
• Health Systems Sciences
• Embracing Whole Health
• Science of Medicine

All six areas of the curriculum will be interwoven throughout the four-year curriculum.

How To Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest highlighting essential qualifications and interests
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Diversity statement

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement, background check and verification of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Review of Applications Begin immediately

Positions Open Until Filled

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