Job Summary

The Research Scientist will work, on an as needed basis, on epidemiologic studies that investigate the influences of state and federal nutrition interventions for schools on racial/ethnic disparities in child developmental outcomes; and examine how community food environments modify the influences of those nutrition interventions. These studies have the potential to generate new evidence on the impact of public health nutrition policies for schools and of community nutrition environments on racial/ethnic disparities on child outcomes and related disparities. The position is funded through National Institutes of Health grants, with Multiple Principal Investigators (MPIs) located at Drexel University and San Francisco State University. Flexible work arrangements include either (a) hybrid/in-person work at Drexel University, within the Urban Health Collaborative space, or (b) remote work with Drexel University with hybrid/in-person activities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Under the supervision of the MPIs, the Research Scientist will lead or co-lead the writing of manuscripts and other dissemination products and participate in the conduct of research using cutting-edge analytic methods to improve causal inferences about the effects of natural experiments on children’s outcomes and disparities in the social determinants of health. Some coordination activities may also need to be conducted by the Research Scientist to facilitate the dissemination goals or other objectives, including implementation of projects, refining research directions.

Essential Functions

• Research Plan Implementation
  • Assist the MPIs in refining research directions, and implementation of existing funded grants.
  • Lead the development of plans to complete research products, including communication and dissemination products (e.g., plans for literature reviews or presentations) following the scientific direction or goals set by MPIs
  • Work collaboratively with the MPIs to identify tasks or projects to be assigned to other research personnel, including development of timelines for the completion of tasks. Personnel will be supervised by MPIs
  • Meet as needed with MPIs to update them on the progress of the work and seek feedback or trouble shooting. -
  • Work collaboratively as needed with entire research team, across both institutions, to ensure successful completion of research goals.
  • Assist as need in the preparation of future proposals to procure extramural funds to support new studies - Lead writing of pilot grant proposals.
• Communication and dissemination
  • Lead the development of first-authored manuscripts, and assist in the development of co-authored publications including writing key sections of manuscripts
  • Lead and assist in the dissemination of research findings through the development of research presentations, and preparation and submission of conference abstracts
  • Independently conduct extensive literature reviews and synthesize evidence from multiple research fields relevant to the project
  • Generate syntheses of quantitative research findings produced by the research team
  • Prepare other written materials as necessary, e.g., policy and research briefs.
  • Assist with drafting annual and final reports to funding agencies, as needed
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Epidemiology or other public health discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years
• Record of multiple peer-reviewed, 1st authored and co-authored scientific publications
• Record of grant submissions
• A passion for scientific writing and writing research-related materials, with concomitant outstanding written communication skills
• Have strong interpersonal, organizational, and oral presentation skills
• Be independent/self-directed, with excellent follow-through and time management skills.
• Have the ability to welcome and work with complexity, ambiguity, flexibility and fluctuating deadlines.
• Have the ability to balance multiple tasks and work under deadlines, both independently and in collaboration with other team members.
• Have the ability to work within a multidisciplinary research team of researchers from multiple US universities

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in research on policy evaluation, or nutrition policies, or educational outcomes

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• Remote

Additional Information

This is a Part-Time [temporary/per diem/casual] position classified as Non-Exempt. The offered pay is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Per Diem/Casual/Temporary Benefit Fact Sheet.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

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