PT Research Assistant

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Health Policy and Administration in the College of Health and Human Development is seeking applicants for part-time job of Research Assistant- Health Services Research (Long-Term Care)

Position Description

The Department of Health Policy and Administration in the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to work with Dr. Jess Williams on a program of research examining Total Worker Health (TWH) adoption and implementation in nursing homes. This NIOSH-funded project (Implementation of Total Worker Health in Nursing Homes) has two aims: (1) assessing organizational factors - such as chain membership and community resources - that influence TWH adoption in nursing homes in Federal Region VII, using survey data linked with Medicare data; and (2) using in-depth interviews with Directors of Nursing to examine the decisional processes, competing priorities, and cultural factors that shape TWH implementation.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral scholar interested in long-term care, health services research, and occupational health policy to develop an independent research trajectory while contributing to an active, externally funded project. The appointment is part-time and may be well suited to a candidate balancing another academic appointment, clinical role, or research position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative statistical analyses of survey and Medicare claims/administrative data, primarily in Stata (R also acceptable), including data management, cleaning, and merging of complex datasets.
• Support qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts with Directors of Nursing, including coding, theme development, and interpretation (training provided as needed).
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize prior research to inform manuscript introductions, discussion sections, and grant proposals.
• Co-author and lead the drafting of peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, and presentations reporting project findings.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, dissemination materials, and stakeholder communications for academic and nursing home industry audiences.
• Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and progress reports as opportunities arise.
• Participate in regular research meetings with the PI and project team.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The following are required for this position:

• In progress or earned Ph.D. in Health Policy, Health Services Research, Public Health, Gerontology, Health Economics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical programming and quantitative data analysis (Stata strongly preferred; R acceptable).
• Strong written communication skills, with experience contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Experience conducting literature reviews.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred:

• Research related to long-term care, nursing homes, aging services, or occupational health and safety.
• Experience with Medicare claims data or other large administrative/secondary datasets.
• Qualitative data coding and analysis of interview transcripts (e.g., using NVivo, Atlas.ti, or comparable software).
• Experience preparing or contributing to federal grant applications (e.g., NIH, NIOSH, AHRQ).

Application Materials

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit:

• A cover letter describing their research experience and interest in occupational and health policy research.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact information for two professional references.

This is a part-time (50% FTE), limited-term position located at Penn State University Park and is funded until 8/31/2027.

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this job is $35.00

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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