Social Scientist II

Overview

JOB SUMMARY
Social Scientists work on collaborative research teams to solve real-world problems, producing objective, scientific analyses in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports to guide policymakers on diverse issues. Researchers work in multidisciplinary teams that include health policy researchers, economists, natural scientists, epidemiologists, social scientists, and others with relevant training. They apply rigorous, empirical research designs to analyze health policy issues and evaluate programs.

 

The Social Scientist Assistant 2 will complete all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices and all relevant current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policies, and procedures developed by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Institutional Review Board.

 

The applicant must have completed a master’s degree in the field of public health, social sciences, or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of research experience. PhD is preferred.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides support for a broad portfolio of sophisticated health economic, and health policy research projects in a project team structure
• Focuses on overall project quality and client deliverables while completing job responsibilities with direction and instruction from others
• Prepares study protocols, statistical analysis or other project implementation plans in collaboration with a research team to address research questions and objectives
• Identifies and collects appropriate data, including from literature, databases, interviews and/or surveys using scientifically valid methods
• Develops and executes analysis using appropriate analytic techniques
• Conducts remote web-based interviews and moderates focus groups with a spectrum of healthcare stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, academic experts, and policymakers
• Synthesizes, interprets, and communicates complex quantitative and qualitative results to internal and external audiences
• Performs quality assurance and quality control procedures on own and others’ work
• Supports team members in ideation and dissemination of projects and proactively seeks out opportunities to build scientific reputation
• Prepares written technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations
• Supports project leads in identifying challenges and strategies to mitigate risk early on; communicates any risks and mitigation strategies to senior leadership if necessary

 

Additional responsibilities:

Oversee and manage research projects
Communicates and models values and mission of VU/VUMC.
Establishes, supports, and promotes ownership of team goals. Works as a team to accomplish common goals. Willingly accepts responsibility and performs expected and unexpected tasks. Willingly exerts extra effort when necessary to get the job done.
Sets up REDCap databases, conducts online surveys and in-depth interviews, and performs data entry.
Coordinates between collaborating organizations.
Exhibits strong leadership skills. Delegates tasks as appropriate and follows up to assure completion. Effectively motivates team members. Creates and supports a climate of trust, openness, and honest communication.
Recognizes areas of responsibility and takes charge of them. Takes ownership of problems brought to their attention. Follows through from analysis to problem resolution. Takes responsibility for mistakes and learns from them.
Ability to accept constructive criticism. Demonstrates a positive attitude in response to suggestions for improvement.
Can distinguish critical needs/problems from less urgent ones. Effectively prioritizes tasks and work assignments. Plans, organizes, and completes projects in an efficient manner.
Communicates in and across teams to maximize effectiveness, efficiency, and information sharing.
Analyzes situations/events, develops recommendations/plans and prepares presentations.
Uses innovative thinking when developing alternative solutions.
Actively identifies and participates in educational and developmental activities to improve knowledge and performance to sustain and enhance personal and departmental development.
May present at national conferences/panels or contribute to publications.
Other duties as assigned, and responsibilities will extend to other research studies, upon funding.
Preferred Qualifications

At least 5 years of research experience in social or health sciences.
Institutional Review Board preparation and submission experience.
Qualitative research and analysis experience.
Familiarity with Health Services Research and Implementation Science.
Experience with writing and co-authoring peer-reviewed journal publications.
Minimum Competencies

Professional or personal experience in multicultural environments.
to work in a professional manner as both a self-starter and a team member.
Knowledge of the scientific method.
Excellent writing skills, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience with obtaining informed consent from study participants.
Experience with qualitative research methods including conducting surveys, semi-structured interviews, or focus groups.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, REDCap.
Ability to perform qualitative analysis and use a qualitative analysis software program (i.e., NVIVO).
Preferred Competencies

Experience with writing data reports, manuscripts, and research grants.
Research experience in reducing health disparities, particularly for people who identify as African American or Black.
in ethics, health policy, genetics, and organ transplantation and donation.
Preferred Qualifications

At least 5 years of research experience in social or health sciences.
Institutional Review Board preparation and submission experience.
Qualitative research and analysis experience.
Familiarity with Health Services Research and Implementation Science.
Experience with writing and co-authoring peer-reviewed journal publications.
Minimum Competencies

Professional or personal experience in multicultural environments.
Ability to work in a professional manner as both a self-starter and a team member.
Knowledge of the scientific method.
Excellent writing skills, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience with obtaining informed consent from study participants.
Experience with qualitative research methods including conducting surveys, semi-structured interviews, or focus groups.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, REDCap.
Ability to perform qualitative analysis and use a qualitative analysis software program (i.e., NVIVO).
Preferred Competencies

Experience with writing data reports, manuscripts, and research grants.
Research experience in reducing health disparities, particularly for people who identify as African American or Black.
Interest in ethics, health policy, genetics, and organ transplantation and donation.