Investigator – Associate Research Scientist (Full Time and Part Time) – (2025-09)

Overview

PIRE has a diverse portfolio of scientific research focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and their effects on public health and safety. Funding for this work comes from NIH, SAMHSA, CDC, ED, States and Foundations. Our scientists examine risk factors and outcomes at both the individual and structural levels, with a focus on informing public policy and/or understanding the specific impacts of policies on health. Our studies employ a diverse range of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative methods and a variety of innovative sampling methods.

PIRE is an independent, nonprofit organization merging scientific knowledge and proven practice to create solutions that improve the health, safety and well-being of individuals, communities, and nations around the world. We have excellent health coverage, retirement opportunities and flexible telecommuting and work arrangements available to support our nationally recognized institution of independent scientists.

PIRE is seeking early career investigators to join our Louisville, Kentucky Center. This opportunity is open to junior level investigators who are aiming to grow their research program and help enhance PIRE Louisville’s growing portfolio, including research focused on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, public health policy, health disparities, health care services and systems change, international health and development, educational research and program evaluation, and state and community partnerships and evaluation. We are specifically aiming to expand our tobacco and drug-related research and health disparities research, with special emphasis on mixed-methods research and a focus on minority, disparate, or underserved populations (e.g., African American, women, rural, or LGBTQ populations), but are not limiting this opportunity.

We invite a CV and letter of introduction from early career investigators who have:
Strong skills in project management, research collaboration, and proposal development.
A track record of relevant publications, and
Experience writing grant and/ or proposal applications for NIH, CDC and/or other agencies that fund scientific research.

PIRE is a soft-money and self-funded research organization. This independence and freedom comes with the responsibility of seeking and securing one’s own funding. As part of your CV and introduction, please share a brief description of your research interests and potential funders.

Successful applicants will be expected to pursue their own research while collaborating with other PIRE scientists in areas of mutual interest. Current or recent funding from NIH, CDC, and/or federal other agencies is desired but not required. PIRE is prepared to assist researchers who submit applications with startup funding, administrative support, and collaborative scientific support. Employment is contingent upon successful awards.

PIRE has a strong commitment to research dissemination and moving science to practice and practice to science. The implementation of our work is demonstrated in peer-reviewed journal articles, reports for government and lay audiences and professional presentations. Documentation of PIRE’s capabilities and work in these areas can be found on PIRE’s website (www.pire.org). Feel free to contact the Louisville Center Director (Melissa Abadi, Ph.D., mabadi@pire.org) or the Site Administrator (Patti Hokanson, phokanson@pire.org) for more information. We also have positions at our five other locations: Berkeley, CA, Albuquerque, NM, Calverton, MD, and Chapel Hill, NC.

We look forward to talking with you about your interests and how your research can grow with PIRE.

Job Requirements
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required prior to beginning work at PIRE except in limited circumstances where an employee is legally entitled to an accommodation.