[Jobs] Research Scientist opportunity - Harvard Ctr for Population Studies (fwd)

[Ron Lee]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:33:07 +0000
From: HSPH-POPCENTER <POPCENTER at hsph.harvard.edu>
To: HSPH-POPCENTER <POPCENTER at hsph.harvard.edu>
Subject: Research Scientist opportunity - Harvard Ctr for Population Studies


The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) is a University-wide initiative, dedicated to
interdisciplinary research focused primarily on population change, socioeconomic development, and public health.
  The Center is embarking on a longitudinal program project (P01) called Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal
Studies in Three INDEPTH Communities (HAALSI) funded by NIH.  By using a multidisciplinary approach, the project
seeks to examine the social, economic and health systems that influence the onset and course of major
cardiometabolic disorders and HIV. Physical and cognitive functioning in older adults and the productivity,
well-being, social and family consequences of disease will also be studied.



The HCPDS will partner with colleagues at the INDEPTH network which is a system of health and demographic
surveillance sites around Africa and Asia.  The first phase of the project will occur in South Africa and will be
co-led by colleagues at the University of the Witwatersrand.



The HCPDS seeks a term-limited, full-time research scientist who will act as the single point of contact and
intermediary for the four projects, cores, and field sites. The desired candidate will have both an
administrative and technical role. Working under the project’s principal investigator, s/he will manage the
collaborative processes of investigators, survey researchers, programmers, and partners.



Specific Responsibilities:



·         Assist in establishing a comprehensive work plan and timeline for each project, ensuring activities are
effectively integrated.

·         Act as resource on HAALSI policies and procedures, ensuring that HAALSI related studies comply with the
project’s HR, finance and research protocols.

·         Serve as key member of the executive committee which is charged with reviewing progress; guiding
decisions on conceptual and programmatic priorities; and consulting on methodological and strategic decisions.

·         Develop a communications vehicle (email tree, newsletter, etc.) to keep all HAALSI members informed of
essential information and to report on benchmarks.

·         Assist in developing the survey instrument that will be conducted via a CAPI system.

·         Oversee the collection of survey, clinical and biomarker data.

·         Participate in the projects’ technical roles including the production of analytic datasets and data
analysis.

·         Identify and work with key investigators to minimize problems that may arise.

·         Assist with the public release of data; facilitate the public release and dissemination of research
findings.

·         Implement objective evaluation criteria of HAALSI and its sub projects and cores.

·         Assist in facilitating the public release of data and research findings.

·         Assist in report writing and in developing a direction for future and long-term initiatives.

·         Support the PI in other HAALSI-related activities.



Basic Qualifications:



·         Ph.D. required with two or more years of post-doctoral training/experience.

·         Solid experience working on health-related research projects involving primary data collection and
field work in Africa or other developing country.

·         Experience developing survey instruments especially those involving CAPI systems.

·         Demonstrated ability to collaborate with professionals at all levels in diverse settings. Must be
flexible, reliable, responsive, and resourceful.

·         Fluency in English.

·         Superior organizational and communication skills required.

·         Demonstrated ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office as well as the statistical software such as Stata, SPSS, etc.



Additional qualifications:



·         Knowledge of social determinants of health concepts preferred.

·         Experience working in low- and middle-income countries preferred.



This is a three year term-limited, full-time position that begins October 1, 2013 with strong possibility of
renewal.



Application materials will be accepted until October 14, 2013.