Posting Details

Job Description Summary:The GWU Department of Epidemiology is recruiting a Research Scientist to work in the lab of Dr. Melinda Power on projects related to cognitive aging and dementia.  This position is responsible for planning and conducting research at a high level, including identification or development of approaches to develop solutions for complex epidemiologic and statistical problems, as well as mentored conceptualization and development of NIH grant proposals.   The Research Scientist will initially support an NIH-funded investigation aiming to use observational data to simulate target trials of blood pressure management or diabetes treatment for dementia prevention.  While the ultimate goal is development of a stand-alone, flexible simulation model that can be used to emulate target trials, individual projects largely focus on solving methodological challenges (e.g. ongoing projects include transporting effects from samples with different target populations, creating simulated data to overcome privacy restrictions, instrumental variable analysis of trial data, joint models for related processes, etc.).   

The successful candidate will have a strong background and prior experience in statistical and epidemiologic methods; prior experience with casual inference methods or other advanced statistical approaches in addition to standard epidemiologic methods; interest in cognitive aging research; substantial experience leading manuscripts, developing analysis plans, and exploring use and limitations of new statistical techniques; and a history of publication in reputable journals.   A commitment to research ethics; interest in generating ideas for research and writing grants to answer these questions; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly verbally and in writing; ability prioritize appropriately and meet deadlines; meticulous attention to detail; interest in mentoring junior lab members; and the ability to work independently to achieve objectives is also necessary.   The Research Scientist will report to and will work closely with Dr. Melinda Power. This position has is a one year appointment with potential for extension pending grant funding.   
Responsibilities include: 
Research Responsibilities:Conception and design of research papersDevelopment of analysis plansExecution of data management and statistical analysesProblem-solving around statistical and epidemiologic issuesDrafting and co-authoring manuscriptsSubmitting manuscripts for publication and presenting work to local, national, and international audiences.  Providing statistical and methodological support to other members of the lab around complex statistical or methodological approachesManaging legal agreements for data access and creating data management plansManaging the IRB process Grant Proposal Responsibilities:Mentored development of grantsIdentifying and proposing questions to be answeredConducting literature searchesIdentifying resources needed to conduct the proposed research,Drafting specific aimsConducting feasibility assessmentConducting power calculationsObtaining relevant permissionsDrafting of full grant proposals  The position will also be responsible for other related duties as assigned, and the omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. 
Minimum Qualifications:Qualified candidates will hold a Master’s degree plus 5 years of experience or a PhD plus 2 years of experience in a related discipline to include at least 2 years of research and/or college level teaching in a field basic to the work to be performed. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:•             Masters or PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics or a related field.•             Masters with 5+ years or PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience in a related discipline, including at least 2 years of directly relevant experience.•             Prior experience proposing, planning, leading, writing, and publishing manuscripts.•             Interest in developing ideas into grant proposals.•             Prior experience with causal inference methods or advanced statistical methods (e.g. transportability, marginal structural models, structural nested models, joint models, derivation of inverse probability of exposure or selection weights, natural direct/indirect effects, instrumental variables).•             Programming skills in R and SAS, with willingness to learn STATA •             Excellent oral and written communication skills.•             Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.•             Interest in mentoring junior team members, including assisting with and being a resource for implementation of complex statistical or epidemiologic methods. •             Interest in cognitive aging research.•             Willingness to work in person on the GW campus.

 Currently, the Power lab is operating on a hybrid schedule, with the option to work from home 2 days per week.  However, the candidate must be willing and able to come on campus 5 days a week if circumstances change. 
Preferred Qualifications:Preferred qualifications•             Prior experience in cognitive aging research.•             Prior experience with NIH grant writing.•             Prior experience with IRB submissions and and obtaining/maintaining DUAs.•             Interest in health services research. 

  
Typical Hiring RangeCommensurate with Experience
Campus Location:Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH)
FamilyResearch and Labs
Sub-FamilyField Research
StreamIndividual Contributor
LevelLevel 4
Full-Time/Part-Time:Full-Time
Hours Per Week:40
Work Schedule:M-F, 8:00-5
Will this job require the employee to work on site?Yes
Employee Onsite StatusHybrid
Telework:
Required Background CheckCriminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants: Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:  1) a cover letter that includes a statement of research experience and interests; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) pdf copies of 3 first-author publication and a summary of the candidate’s contributions to each manuscript
Internal Applicants Only?No
Posting Number:R001429
Job Open Date:10/08/2021
Job Close Date:
If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background ScreeningSuccessful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * What are your salary expectations?(Open Ended Question)
  2. * Does the professional experience section of your resume include months?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

  1. Sample Publications

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