Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research - The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
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The University of Utah seeks a Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/UU_Dir_CMCR_Profile.pdf
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
The Position:
The University of Utah is seeking a nationally recognized cannabis researcher to serve as the Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR). The Director will organize, implement, and oversee scientific and administrative aspects of the CMCR, in partnership with the Health Research Office (HRO), as well as CMCR’s senior manager, the steering committee, the external advisory board, and key collaborators.
The Director will develop and implement a wide range of strategic, proactive, and capacity-building activities that enable and enhance cannabis-related research, and coalesce researchers across the state to inform health care providers, lawmakers, and the general public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis.
The Director will lead the strategic planning and execution of the CMCR. In addition, this role will serve as a liaison for CMCR engagement and interactions with the Office of the President’s government relations staff and Utah State legislative bodies. The ideal candidate will lead committees focused on 1) assessing the impact of advancements within the field, 2) communicating evidence-based research and outcomes to the legislature and public, 3) participating in appropriations request development and testimony, and 4) ensuring alignment and strategic implementation of H.B. 230 directives.
To Apply:
The responsibilities and qualifications described in this profile are intended to provide an understanding of the role and the types of skills, experience, and education that may have prepared someone to be effective in this position. We do not expect any candidate to be a perfect match for this list or to perform duties with equal proficiency on day one. In your CV and cover letter, please highlight the most relevant qualifications you would bring to this position based on the posting, and tell us how your background, perspective, and experience would contribute towards fulfilling the Center’s mission and meet our goals.
A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by August 7, 2026 will be given first consideration. Upon application, please submit a PDF version of your CV/resume, a cover letter that describes both your motivation for application and how your leadership experience aligns with the qualifications of the role, and a research statement (3-pages max). Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
All applications and nominations will be held in confidence.
For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Cori Anderson
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 828-545-4508
canderson@summitsearchsolutions.com
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
The University of Utah seeks a Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/UU_Dir_CMCR_Profile.pdf
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
The Position:
The University of Utah is seeking a nationally recognized cannabis researcher to serve as the Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR). The Director will organize, implement, and oversee scientific and administrative aspects of the CMCR, in partnership with the Health Research Office (HRO), as well as CMCR’s senior manager, the steering committee, the external advisory board, and key collaborators.
The Director will develop and implement a wide range of strategic, proactive, and capacity-building activities that enable and enhance cannabis-related research, and coalesce researchers across the state to inform health care providers, lawmakers, and the general public about evidence-based practices for medical cannabis.
The Director will lead the strategic planning and execution of the CMCR. In addition, this role will serve as a liaison for CMCR engagement and interactions with the Office of the President’s government relations staff and Utah State legislative bodies. The ideal candidate will lead committees focused on 1) assessing the impact of advancements within the field, 2) communicating evidence-based research and outcomes to the legislature and public, 3) participating in appropriations request development and testimony, and 4) ensuring alignment and strategic implementation of H.B. 230 directives.
To Apply:
The responsibilities and qualifications described in this profile are intended to provide an understanding of the role and the types of skills, experience, and education that may have prepared someone to be effective in this position. We do not expect any candidate to be a perfect match for this list or to perform duties with equal proficiency on day one. In your CV and cover letter, please highlight the most relevant qualifications you would bring to this position based on the posting, and tell us how your background, perspective, and experience would contribute towards fulfilling the Center’s mission and meet our goals.
A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by August 7, 2026 will be given first consideration. Upon application, please submit a PDF version of your CV/resume, a cover letter that describes both your motivation for application and how your leadership experience aligns with the qualifications of the role, and a research statement (3-pages max). Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
All applications and nominations will be held in confidence.
For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Cori Anderson
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 828-545-4508
canderson@summitsearchsolutions.com
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Institution: The University of Utah
This is a full time position
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