Professional Researcher - Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (IHPS)

Application Window

Open date: April 7, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Oct 7, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Professional Researcher - Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (IHPS)

The Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies (IHPS) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking applications for a Professional Researcher with a strong background in cutting-edge research in health economics, health systems research, pharmaceutical economics, and outcomes evaluation. We are seeking an experienced investigator whose work advances understanding of how healthcare regulation and policy shape clinical, economic, and patient-centered outcomes.

The researcher’s portfolio will focus on health systems performance, comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness research, value-based care, and outcomes evaluation. A deep understanding of healthcare system design and its impact on health and economic outcomes, as well as how pharmaceutical regulation and policy influence evidentiary standards for approval, regulatory pathways, and downstream outcomes related to efficacy, safety, and value is essential.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead independent research using advanced econometrics, predictive analytics, and machine learning, including applications of large language models, and causal inference and quasi-experimental methods.

Key responsibilities include developing and leading innovative research projects aligned with the mission of IHPS; applying rigorous quantitative research methods; conducting real-world evidence analyses; publishing research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals; and disseminating findings to inform evidence-based decision-making and health policy. The successful applicant will be expected to mentor early-stage scholars and contribute to the broader intellectual and collaborative community at IHPS and UCSF.

This is a part-time academic appointment in the Professional Researcher series. Appointees in this series conduct independent research equivalent in quality to that required for the Professor series and may serve as Principal Investigators.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or a related quantitatively-focused discipline.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience leading independent research related in health economics, health policy, health systems research, and/or pharmaceutical economics.
• A strong history of publication in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals disciplines related to health economics, health sciences, health policy and law, and medicine.
• Demonstrated experience working with and leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences in writing and orally.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent research initiatives, and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to develop strong, well-designed applications for extramural funding, and a strong commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A research portfolio that includes impact of healthcare systems designs on outcomes in adults with multiple chronic conditions, including older adults; regulatory and policy impact analyses of new drugs and biologics; and long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs.
• Experience using large administrative (Medicare, Medicaid), survey (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey), and electronic health record datasets.
• A demonstrated track record of securing research funding as Principal Investigator.
• Experience disseminating research to policymakers and other stakeholders to inform health policy and practice evidence-based decision making.
• Experience in mentoring and supervising senior staff, pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty.

See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $136,400 - $248,400.

Click here to apply.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA