Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Social Epidemiology, Neighborhood Health Disparities and Aging

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Social Epidemiology, Neighborhood Health Disparities and Aging

Apply now Job no: 501983
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a doctoral degree in public health or an allied science to contribute to an NIH-funded R01 project focused on social epidemiology of aging, specifically neighborhood's role in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and ADRD disparities.

The fellow will work primarily on efforts to leverage extensive longitudinal data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) in multilevel and spatial analyses of neighborhood social and built environments with ADRD.

The successful candidate will work within a collaborative interdisciplinary team to play a pivotal role in advancing the aims of the study: (1) Characterize dynamic, longitudinal neighborhood social and built environment variables relevant to cognition for residential addresses within the MESA cohort; (2) Examine associations between neighborhood environmental characteristics and cognition, as well as clinically relevant ADRD outcomes; (3) Investigate determinants of disparities in ADRD outcomes by socioeconomic position and race/ethnicity, while assessing the contribution of neighborhood environments. Where possible and desired, the Postdoctoral Fellow will additionally work on examining climate-related natural disasters and their impacts on both neighborhood resources for healthy aging and cognitive function/ADRD.

In addition to working with Dr. Hirsch, the postdoctoral research fellow will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of internal and external investigators on the project (e.g. Drs. Ana Diez Roux, Brisa Sanchez, Yvonne Michael, Tim Hughes, Kate Hayden, Lilah Besser, Marcia Jimenez). The fellow will dedicate most of the time analyzing data and writing manuscripts. Financial support will be available for travel to present results at scientific meetings.

The postdoctoral research fellow will be based at the Urban Health Collaborative (http://drexel.edu/uhc/) , a collaboration of all departments in the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). This fellowship is a one-year, full-time position, with a possible one- to three-year extension, based on funding and performance. Work arrangements can be flexible (i.e., remote work, hybrid, in-person) to accommodate individual preferences.

Essential Functions

Data Analyses and Publication
• Define scientific research questions that align with grant aims and justify using conceptual models or theory.
• Plan, write, and submit paper proposals to cohort coordinating center.
• Create data requests and analyses plans.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, utilizing advanced statistical and epidemiological methodologies to address research aims.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals as lead author.

Collaboration Activities
• Engage with the research team to understand neighborhood variables collected using both survey-based and GIS-derived methods and their implications for analyses.
• Collaborate with team members across disciplines, fostering a productive and inclusive research environment.
• Participate in regular team meetings, seminars, and workshops to enhance professional development and contribute to the collective knowledge of the research group. 
 
Dissemination
• Assist in the preparation of lay reports, blog posts, and other dissemination products about research products.
• Represent the research team as needed to university and external audiences including meetings and scientific conferences.
• Assist the principal investigators in drafting and submitting regular project reports to the funder.
• Aid the research team’s grant writing efforts to continue lines of inquiry related to grant aims.
 
Other Duties as Assigned
• Assist the principal investigators in drafting and submitting regular project reports to the funder.
• Aid the research team’s grant writing efforts to continue lines of inquiry related to grant aims.
• Additional assigned duties as needed. Balance of activities will be adjusted, as needed, to support the successful fulfillment of aims agreed upon with external funding agencies, growth of the team, and developing research priorities.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD or doctorate Epidemiology, gerontology, geography, urban planning, public health, or a related health field is required. If you are still in candidacy, must have scheduled their defense date in the fall.
• 2 years’ experience in field related to research aims (may include graduate research training)
• Strong background in quantitative research methods, biostatistics, and social epidemiology. Interest in furthering their expertise in area of social epidemiology of chronic disease and aging.
• Proficiency in utilizing statistical software such as SAS, R, Python, or similar tools for data analysis.
• Experience working with large, longitudinal datasets and complex statistical analyses.
• A successful applicant will have prior experience working with cohort studies and multi-level or spatial data.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Location

• University City – Philadelphia, PA

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Additional Information

This position is classified as exempt with a grade of I, Minimum: $ 41,120.00 - Maximum: $ 61,680.00. The offered pay is dependent upon internal equity and the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience.

For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies, please visit the Compensation and Salaries website . 

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: Oct 3 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jan 31 2024 Eastern Standard Time

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