Post-doctoral Fellowship Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University

One Year Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity August 2015 – August 2016

The CDC-funded Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to contribute to our Core Research focused on improving access to nutritious foods in low-resource urban neighborhoods. This dissemination and implementation study seeks to increase the reach, adoption, and impact of farmers’ markets among people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The five-year study includes an intensive formative research phase using both survey research and ethnographic methods that will combine to inform the development of a peer-to-peer intervention to promote farmers’ market use. The post-doctoral fellow will join a vibrant research team that includes a strong community-university partnership and will have an opportunity to develop independent research goals within the scope of this larger project. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in public health, nutrition, community psychology, social work, sociology, anthropology, and/or related fields; a strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research; experience in community-engaged research, and a record of translating research findings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The post-doctoral fellow will: Contribute to team science approach through regular interaction with investigators, community partners, and other research staff; Conduct qualitative research in neighborhoods in Cleveland focused on food-related habits among people receiving SNAP benefits; Coordinate team-based analysis of qualitative data; Manage quantitative databases related to cross-sectional surveys conducted among SNAP recipients, surveillance of SNAP enrollment rates, and surveillance of farmers’ market utilization patterns through establishment of cleaning and organizing protocols, descriptive statistics, and multivariate analysis; Assist with the development of a peer-to- peer dissemination intervention aimed at increasing use of farmers’ markets among people receiving SNAP benefits; Provide leadership to the development of presentations and publications related to research serving as lead author on at least two manuscripts; Collaborate with investigators on data analysis related to the research aims; and Participate in weekly interdisciplinary seminars focused on population health promotion.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience with qualitative data collection and analysis, management of quantitative databases, analysis of survey research data, and evidence of capacity to translate findings for public dissemination. Experience with food related research, community-based research, intervention research, and research with SNAP populations preferred. Preference given to candidates with PhD on or before October 1, 2016. In some cases, a candidate near completion of the PhD will be considered.

It is expected that the fellow will develop content expertise and a publication track record based on this experience.

A competitive salary, benefits, and travel/research opportunities in the interdisciplinary environment of the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods are available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Experiencewithqualitativedatacollectionandanalysis,andmanagementofquantitativedatabases

2. Analysisofsurveyresearchdata,andevidenceofcapacitytotranslatefindingsforpublicdissemination

3. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated individual.

4. Ability to work with minimal supervision to complete tasks.

5. Capacitytofacilitateinstitutionalreviewboardapplications.

6. Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment.

7. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.

8. Strong, professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.

9. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university, and with individuals outside the university.

10. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel.

11. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Given the field-based nature of the research, the candidate must be physically present at the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio. There are no special health or safety hazards, environmental conditions or hazardous equipment or supplies. Must have personal, reliable transportation to travel to community sites throughout the project, documented mileage will be reimbursed. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.

To apply, please send a statement of qualifications and research interests, CV, dissertation abstract (500 words), contact information for three references, and one sample publication by email to daf96@case.edu. Initial review of applications will occur on July 20, 2015 and then on a rolling basis until the position is filled.