MN-LHS Tracks & Application
We offer a variety of training opportunities for individuals at different stages of their career development.
Tracks
- MN-LHS Scholars: Early Scientist and Faculty Career Development
- MN-LHS Fellows: Postdoctoral and Predoctoral Trainees
- MN-LHS Interns: Gain direct learning health system exposure
We are now accepting applications until April 30, 2025!
MN-LHS Scholars are Assistant Professors, Research Scientists, Research Investigators, Clinician Investigators, Clinicians Engaged in Research (CER), or individuals at a higher equivalent level who are interested in pursuing a research career in learning health systems.
MN-LHS Scholars are supported by:
- AHRQ/PCORI P30 Learning Health System Embedded Scientist Training and Research (LHS E-STaR) grant (LEaRN: LHS E-STaR of the North, P30HS029744) (2024-8)
- Internal support of OACA, CTSI, and CLHSS (a collaboration between the Medical School and School of Public Health)
- MN-LHS hub sites including M Health Fairview, Essentia Health, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, and Minneapolis VA
- Some MN-LHS Scholars are supported through other training programs, such as the CTSI K12 Scholars Program, the CTSI/Medical School Early Career Research Award, or individual K awards such as those offered through NIH or AHRQ. In these cases, the requirements of the primary training program and the MN-LHS program must be fully coordinated.
MN-LHS Scholars are provided:
- 50% salary support up to a maximum of $63,000 per year, inclusive of fringe benefits, for two years with extensions to a third year pending funding
- $12,500 per year in research funds for 2 years
- Training in both patient-centered outcomes research and learning health system sciences
Attendance Expectations
Participation in seminars, workshops, and Design Shop sessions is a top priority for the MN-LHS program. Participation fosters a cohort culture and builds scholar-mentor relationships, both of which are essential for an enriched learning experience.
|
Seminar |
OACA-funded |
P30-funded |
|
PubH 6864 |
required |
required |
|
CLHSS iMpact |
required |
attend as relevant to |
|
CTSI K |
at least 75% |
attend as relevant to |
|
Design Shop |
required |
required |
Call for Proposals
We invite applications to the MN-LHS Embedded Scientist Training Program. The purpose of the scholar application is to identify and support individuals interested in becoming embedded Learning Health System (LHS) scientists. The MN-LHS program equips scholars with the necessary tools and expertise to conduct research that improves healthcare systems within and outside of Minnesota by fostering collaboration between researchers and healthcare operations.
Submit all application materials here
The MN-LHS program includes:
- Focused training in AHRQ’s LHS competencies and PCORI’s Methodology Standards, including implementation science, systems science, engagement science, and research methods (e.g., adaptive trials, pragmatic trials).
- Intensive mentored research experience for scholars embedded in active healthcare delivery systems.
- Membership in a learning community to support scholar work while enrolled in the program and beyond.
Applicant Profile
The scholar program is ideal for active clinicians, clinician researchers, junior faculty, academic health care researchers, and mid-career researchers who are passionate about improving healthcare systems through rigorous research and evidence-based interventions. Applicants should have a strong interest in learning health systems science, quality improvement, and implementation research, with a commitment to applying their knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges. While prior research experience is beneficial, it is not required. Applicants must have a defined research project idea at the time of application; however, it is understood that some details may require further discussion and refinement. We recognize that scholars may be new to research and may need guidance throughout the process. The program is designed to support scholars at varying levels of experience with dedicated mentorship and training.
MN-LHS Program Highlights
- Two-year funded scholar development program:
- $63,000 annual scholar support for salary + fringe
- $12,500 annual research development support funds
- $5,000 monetary support for primary mentor
- Engaging, individualized curriculum:
- Bi-weekly seminar series (DesignShop), required (Fridays, 11-12:15 p.m.)
- Quarterly Individual Development Plan (IDP) check-in meetings
- Semester-long “Conducting Health Outcomes Research” course, required
- Development of LHS Core Competencies, through formal coursework, attendance at regional or national workshops, or mentored reading
- Community of practice across Minnesota:
- Representation of scholars from 5 partner sites: Essentia Health, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, M Health Fairview/University of Minnesota, and Minneapolis VA
- Learn more about the scholar program at the Scholar Resource page here
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent (DO, DDS, DVM, OD, DC, PharmD, DNP)
- Commitment to a minimum of 2 years of research
- United States citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder for the program duration
- Have at least a 75% FTE* appointment one of the 5 partner sites: Essentia Health, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, M Health Fairview/University of Minnesota, and Minneapolis VA (*or 5/8ths VA)
Number of Scholars
We aim to select up to five scholars, with a goal of selecting one scholar from each participating site (selections may be adjusted pending applicant pool review).
Timeline
- April 30, 2025: Applications due by 11:59 p.m.
- May 16, 2025: Interview notifications for top applicants
- May 26 - June 13, 2025: Interviews held
- June 27, 2025: Award decisions announced
- January 1, 2026: Award start date
Questions
For support related to application submissions, questions about the timeline, or other logistical concerns, please contact Amanda Trofholz at [email protected]. For additional insight into the program, application requirements, and scholar expectations, please contact Tim Beebe at [email protected].
If you have questions about the scholar experience at one of the 5 partner sites, please reach out to Amanda Trofholz or Tim Beebe and we will connect you to a site representative.
Application Requirements
Formatting Guidelines:
- Arial 11-point font, ½ inch margins, single-spaced
- All materials should be combined in a single PDF document. Please label your document: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_2025_application.
- Maximum combined page length for sections 1 and 2 is 6 pages.
- Applicants are expected to complete all application materials without reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for content generation. Mentor engagement in the development of the application is expected and encouraged.
Note: All application materials will be submitted at this link.
All documents (sections 1-5) should be combined into a single pdf document and uploaded through the link.
Section 1: Personal Statement
Discuss:
- Your interest in the MN-LHS program.
- How do your background and career goals align with the goals of the program? What impact would your participation in this program have on your career?
- How would you contribute to an environment in which varied backgrounds, training, and abilities are valued and accomplishments are considered in light of the resilience required to achieve them?
- Your specific program training goals, including:
- How they align with LHS core competencies
- How you will achieve your goals
- How the proposed training/methods will enable your success for your proposed or future research
Length: About 2 pages; Max 6 pages for Sections 1 & 2 combined
Section 2: Project Proposal Description
Discuss:
1. Summary of proposed research project
2. Background and Impact
- Define the problem your project addresses and explain why it’s important.
- What difference would your project make for patients?
- What impact would this project and your participation in the program have on your institution?
- How do you know (or how will you know) if this problem is a priority for your stakeholders (e.g., patients, health system staff, community)?
3. Project Design and Methods
- Type of study (e.g., observational, descriptive)
- Proposed data sources
- Analytic methods
- Expected outcomes
- Potential barriers and mitigation strategies
4. Collaboration and Engagement Plan
- Proposed collaborators
- Proposed mentoring team, including 1) mentors’ area(s) of expertise; 2) how mentors align with your research and training goals; and 3) your plans for meeting mentorship goals
- Plan for stakeholder engagement (health care system, community, patients, etc.)
Note: MNLHS encourages including patients and community members as project team partners when feasible.
Length: 3-4 pages; Max 6 pages for Sections 1 & 2 combined
Section 3: Budget
The MN-LHS program provides $63,000 annual salary/fringe support and $12,500 research development support. Provide a
brief budget justification outlining how the allocated research development funds will support your research and training goals.
Length: About ½ page
Section 4: NIH-style Biosketch
See here for a template and more information for completing a non-fellowship biosketch.
Section 5: Letters of Support
Two letters of support are required:
1. A letter of support from your department chair or head of your administrative unit
- The letter of support should a) verify that the applicant holds at least a 75% appointment at the institution; b) confirm that the applicant has the necessary approval and institutional support to fully participate in the program, including the time commitment required to complete all associated activities; and c) outline any material support (e.g., resources, funding, or administrative assistance) the department or unit will provide to facilitate the applicant’s participation.
2. A letter of support from your proposed primary mentor
- The letter of support from the primary mentor should a) confirm their commitment to providing guidance and
support throughout the program, including a statement affirming that they have the necessary time to dedicate to
mentoring the applicant; b) specify the frequency of meetings (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly); and c) describe how the mentor will support the applicant’s career development, research activities, and achievement of program goals.
Please contact [email protected] with inquiries regarding joining MN-LHS as a Fellow.
MN-LHS Fellows are Postdoctoral or Predoctoral trainees interested in pursuing a research career in LHS and furthering associated skills in a formal training program. Whether they are incorporated into dedicated research time or are part of an embedded training program that allows for focused time for LHS development and activities, MN-LHS Fellows spend one or more years gaining skills and experience in LHS sciences and initiatives.
Most MN-LHS Fellows receive primary support for training or salary support from a separate source, such as:
- Dedicated research time during clinical fellowship (e.g.1 year of research as a cardiology fellow)
- Dedicated research time during residency training (e.g. surgical resident with 1 or more years of research)
- Integrated as part of certain postdoctoral research training (e.g. clinical informatics fellow or a postdoctoral fellow in data science)
- Integrated as part of a predoctoral training program such as a PhD student
The requirements of the primary training program and the MN-LHS program must be fully coordinated with both programs and integrated into the MN-LHS Fellow’s Individual Development Plan (IDP).
MN-LHS fellows receive training support from the MN-LHS program in the form of mentorship, didactics, and other development and engagement activities through an individualized development plan. The MN-LHS Fellows can also apply for additional research project or specific training support of up to $10K during their fellowship. This application process is integrated into the MN-LHS program.
Attendance Expectations
Participation in seminars, workshops, and Design Shop sessions is a top priority for the MN-LHS program. Participation fosters a cohort culture and builds scholar-mentor relationships, both of which are essential for an enriched learning experience.
|
Seminar |
OACA-funded |
P30-funded |
|
PubH 6864 |
required |
required |
|
CLHSS iMpact |
required |
attend as relevant to |
|
CTSI K |
at least 75% |
attend as relevant to |
|
Design Shop |
required |
required |
At this time, we are not accepting applications for MN-LHS Interns. The MN-LHS Intern program will have a call for applications beginning summer 2025. More detailed information about MN-LHS Intern program structure and expectations is coming soon.