Health Services Research and Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship - A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Posted: Friday, January 29, 2021

Health Services Research and Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship

Description

The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute offers advanced training in health services research and related policy research focused on autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities through its Life Course Outcomes Research Program and Policy Analytics Center for individuals who have completed requirements for a PhD or related doctoral degrees in public health - epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, or related subdiscipline; social work; social policy, economics; sociology or related fields.

Up to two Postdoctoral positions will be filled focused on the service system eligibility and implementation of funded health services. Policy-oriented research projects focused on service utilization and outcomes of persons with autism and other disabilities across the lifespan could include embedded research opportunities with local, state, and federal entities through public and industry partnerships. Training emphasis is placed on understanding and analyzing the organization, utilization, efficacy, quality, and implementation of health and mental health services to enhance quality of life for autistic individuals, individuals with other disabilities, and their family members and impacting policy content and practices from these findings.

Our faculty and researchers have expertise in analysis of large administrative datasets from the Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Social Security programs; social network analysis; secondary analysis of population-level surveys; and primary data collection through a number of funded projects. The program provides opportunities for collaboration and publication with faculty within our institute, the Dornsife School of Public Health, colleagues at local universities, and local political leaders. Additionally, our community partnerships offer established connections for engaging policy stakeholders to inform research focus and to contribute to policy-driven dissemination planning.

This Postdoctoral position is funded for a period of 1 year, potentially renewable for an additional year, depending upon the time required for the kind of project activity identified in conjunction with a program mentor.

Essential Functions

Research Responsibilities will vary but may include: collection of primary quantitative and qualitative data; analysis of health and mental health service utilization and systems-level data, and secondary data analysis of area- and person-level data.
Dissemination activities include social media and legislative outreach, and preparation of research and policy briefs.
Primary deliverables will include drafting scientific papers; community engagement throughout the research process; data analyses; literature reviews; federal project reporting and grant writing.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent
Evidence of scholarship (e.g. publications, presentations, grant submissions)
Experience using advanced methodologies.
Familiarity with life course perspective as it relates to the conduct of research.
Experience managing research data sets, knowledge of a range of research methodologies, advanced data analysis skills, and competencies with advanced statistical software (e.g., SAS, STATA, R) and/or qualitative analysis software (e.g., Dedoose, NVIVO).
Experience working directly on Federal grants.
Experience writing Federal grant applications either individually or with a team.
Advanced quantitative methodology skills and training.
Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing secondary data from publicly available datasets.
Distinct interest in health disparities and social justice as it relates to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities.
Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
Interpersonal skills that foster teamwork and collaboration, the ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects and staff.
Demonstrated understanding of operational requirements for a successful research project and managing resources.
Skills in implementing research, training, or technical assistance projects.
Knowledge and application of the principles underpinning successful grant application.
Ability to identify and fulfill the academic writing requirements for target publications.
Ability to produce verbal and written communication appropriate for a range of audiences, including scholarly reports, lay-friendly publications and policy advocacy messaging.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with policy-relevant knowledge and legislative advocacy experience.
Knowledge of public health and disability-related state and federal programs is beneficial.

Physical Demands