Post-doctoral Research Fellowship with UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative

Location: 
United States
Job Posted Date: 
January 10, 2021
Opportunities: 
Academic Positions
Full-time Positions
Postdoc Positions
Postdoc Positions at UCSF
Population: 
Medicine
Population & Social Sciences
Other

Overview: The goal of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) is to provide accurate, timely policy-oriented research to inform appropriate programmatic and policy responses to prevent and end homelessness. Funded by a generous gift from Marc and Lynne Benioff, the BHHI, based at the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, seeks to become a trusted source for evidence-based practice and policy, turning evidence into action to prevent and end homelessness.

The BHHI will use strategic science to derive evidence-based practices and policies to prevent and end homelessness. Strategic science is a way to conduct research that creates a reciprocal relationship between the researchers and those who act upon it—policymakers, practitioners, and those living with homelessness. Those who act upon research (“end users”) play a major role in developing the research agenda. In strategic science, researchers work together with these end-users to identify high priority questions and identify which of these require new research. We will work closely with end-users to develop policy recommendations, seeking opportunities to provide non-partisan, expert opinion to influence policymaking at the local, state, and federal levels. We seek opportunities to communicate our findings broadly, including the peer-reviewed scientific literature as well as non-peer-reviewed sources.

In this larger effort to prevent and end homelessness, the BHHI has developed a post-doctoral training program to train the next generation of strategic scientists who are empowered to address upstream causes of homelessness. Our projects will rely on diverse research methodologies including quantitative methods, qualitative methods, or mixed methods and utilize a diverse set of research designs including longitudinal, cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, natural experiments, implementation and translational science, and policy evaluation.

Program Overview: The UCSF BHHI is seeking highly motivated scholars to join a multidisciplinary team for a 2-year postdoctoral program. This is a full-time position based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Scholars will work closely with established BHHI faculty to conduct research on projects related to homelessness, and to translate these findings into evidence-based programs and policy solutions. Scholars will be based at the UCSF Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital campus and will have access to resources across the UCSF campuses.  Scholars will be assigned a primary research mentor from within the UCSF faculty, and have the opportunity to work with multiple BHHI faculty. They will be a part of a group of 3 postdoctoral scholars from different disciplines engaged in a structured training program that includes works-in-progress and other career development activities.

Job Requirements: 

Postdoctoral program applicants must possess a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in epidemiology, health or public health, urban policy, social work, sociology, anthropology, economics, health services research, or a related field. Strong quantitative or qualitative analytical and writing skills are required. This position is for up to two years and suitable for graduating doctoral students who are looking to gain research experience and further career development in either academic or applied settings. Previous experience in social determinants of health, health and/or racial disparities, and populations at risk for or experiencing homelessness is highly desired. Methodological expertise in cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, qualitative and mixed methods research is highly desirable. Experience in Stata, R, or SAS for quantitative analyses and Atlas.ti., Dedoose or Nvivo for qualitative analyses is required. Scholars will be expected to conduct statistical and/or qualitative research analysis, publish first-authored manuscripts on projects aligned with the primary research topic, present findings at national conferences and disseminate with local partners, and prepare grant applications to establish research independence. In keeping with our goal of training the next generation of strategic scientists, fellows will also be expected to pursue communication opportunities beyond the peer-reviewed literature such as op-eds, policy briefs or white papers. Drs. Maya Vijayaraghavan and Meghan Morris will serve as core professional mentors and scholars will benefit from research mentorship from a rich set of BHHI faculty. 

How to Apply: 

All application packets must include: 1) a cover letter describing your interests, experience, how this opportunity will aid your career goals, and your experiences and contributions to support diversity and inclusion, 2) your CV, 3) one manuscript and/or writing sample (published or unpublished), and 4) three letters of reference. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the application period. Note: The original application deadline of Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 has been extended. Effective Monday, April 12, 2021 all new applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The ​anticipated start date is September 7, 2021. Salaries are competitive and will be commensurate with the applicants’ experience and training. Additional funding is available for travel, coursework, presentations, and research expenses.

Applicants may submit their applications in an email entitled “BHHI postdoc application” to Alma Yates ([email protected]).  Reference letters should be submitted under separate cover by the deadline/sent by your reference directly to [email protected] – with your name included in the subject line. Questions about the position can also be directed to Drs. Morris ([email protected]) and Vijayaraghavan ([email protected]).

Location: 
San Francisco
Greater Bay Area
Peninsula
California