Description:
Division of Population Health Sciences
Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies
Summary: The Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (www.uaa.alaska.edu/ichs) at the University of Alaska-Anchorage has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow to be involved in research at the intersection of climate change and human health in Alaska under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Micah Hahn. The postdoctoral fellow will primarily be working on an NIH-funded project to understand the converging impacts of wildfire smoke exposure and maternal stressors on birth outcomes. They will also contribute to ongoing projects on topics such as wild food consumption and food security, water and sanitation interventions in rural Alaska, and creating tools for climate adaptation planning. The fellow will be encouraged and mentored to develop new proposals and research initiatives to support additional research.
Job Duties: The postdoctoral fellow will primarily be responsible for the development of air quality exposure layers using the HYSPLIT model (related experience is preferred, but training is available), and the acquisition and management of a large dataset that includes sensitive health information. Specific research activities include working with project partners to request secondary datasets, geocoding patient records, running statistical analysis including mixed effects regression, designing and implementing surveys, and assisting with the development of IRB applications. The fellow will be involved in manuscript authorship, presentation of findings at professional meetings, and with strategic grant proposal development as appropriate. There may also be opportunities to supervise graduate or undergraduate research assistants. Additional funds for travel / training are available.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD (required by the start of appointment) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Environmental Sciences, or closely-related field
Exceptional biostatistical, data analysis, database management, and programming skills
Preference will be given to applicants with experience running air quality models or interest in learning how to run a user-friendly model
Highly motivated and self-directed in advancing complex projects and a record of successful research Strong project management skills with outstanding attention to detail Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive and collaborative relationships with various partners and colleagues from different disciplines Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and to prioritize to successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data in a simple and straightforward way for non-technical audiences
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Experience working with sensitive human subjects data
Research experience in topics related to health impacts of climate change, health impacts of wildfire smoke, or air quality
Interest in engaging with communities working on climate adaptation and resilience
Experience working with Alaska Native communities or in other diverse research settings
Creative approach to research methodologies and interest in learning new skills as needed
About the University of Alaska and the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies: Located in Anchorage, Alaska’s biggest city (current population, ~289,000) and in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is the State’s largest post-secondary institution. UAA is considered the “Health Campus” for the University of Alaska’s multi-campus system, with undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, nursing, allied health professional programs and social work. UAA also has a Master of Public Health program and participates in WWAMI, a decentralized medical school program among universities in five northwestern states, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, in partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine. The Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) is a collaborative, multidisciplinary applied health research center within the UAA Division of Population Health Sciences. The mission of ICHS is to improve the health of peoples of Alaska and other circumpolar areas through instruction, information services, and basic and applied research in health and medicine. ICHS connects faculty with local, state, tribal, federal, and international partners to find solutions for pressing health concerns in Alaska and the Circumpolar North. Our applied research focus supports public health planning and provides opportunities for students to gain research experience. Our faculty and staff have expertise in epidemiologic study design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and community engagement.
To Apply: Applications should be submitted through the Careers at UA website and must include, a) cover letter that describes your qualifications and research experience, professional goals, specific interest in this position, and description of 1-2 research topics you would be interested in developing into an independent research proposal; b) Curriculum vitae; c) One to three representative publications or other examples of your work; and d) Names and contact information for three references (we may request letters of reference or contact references as the search progresses). The position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date is Fall 2022.
Location: Preferred in Anchorage, AK, although remote work requests may be considered.
Classification and Compensation: Term-Funded, 12 month appointment, full-time but part-time may be considered, full employee benefits package, and one-year position with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and availability of funds. Salary will be based upon level of academic preparation and experience.
Please direct questions about this position to:
Dr. Micah Hahn
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 907-786-6577