Postdoctoral Fellow: Complex Survey Data

Location: 
United States
Job Posted Date: 
November 18, 2019
Opportunities: 
Postdoc Positions at UCSF
Population: 
Global Health

BACKGROUND

We are seeking a post-doctoral scholar with expertise in quantitative research to collaborate on two global health studies involving primary data collection and analysis of complex survey data. 

Our study on the self-injection of the contraceptive method DMPA-SC (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate administered subcutaneously) aims to support informed contraceptive choice and use, from a user-centered perspective in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda. 

  • This study is carried out in collaboration between researchers from various departments within the Schools of Medicine and Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco, and academic partners in the four study countries.
  • It is designed to obtain a deeper understanding of women’s contraceptive decision-making and identify promising approaches to help unlock the full potential of self-injection of DMPA-SC to meet women’s needs and support reproductive autonomy. 
  • Through mixed methods, the study will: 1) explore which women are most likely to be interested in using SI; 2) identify and test promising program implementation approaches across a variety of settings, channels, and user groups that directly support the needs of women who can benefit from SI to access and effectively use it; and 3) investigate the relationship between SI and sexual and reproductive empowerment and autonomy. 
  • Primary quantitative data collection will include targeted survey with women and providers for the purpose of program evaluation, household surveys, longitudinal cohorts, among other methods.

Our cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Mali aims to test the effectiveness of a proactive community case management intervention delivered by community health workers, compared to a conventional passive case management approach, on child mortality and other secondary health outcomes, including reproductive health. 

  • The proactive model is designed to overcome additional social, structural, and health system barriers to care that may impede or lead to delayed access, even under a community-based passive integrated case management approach. By proactively seeking out patients and linking community members to the health care system, the proactive model is designed to reduce the time from onset of condition to utilisation of health services, and ultimately reducing mortality.
  • This is a three-year trial that will be coming to a conclusion in 2020, at which time the analysis for the impact evaluation will be performed.
  • The trial covers a population of about 100,000 people, including 15,000 women of reproductive age and about 20,000 children under five. 
  • Secondary outcomes include an array of maternal (e.g., antenatal care, facility delivery, postnatal care), reproductive health, and child health (malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia) outcomes and service utilization measures.

 

Job Requirements: 

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, self-directed, and highly collegial. The Fellow should have a PhD (or the equivalent) in sociology, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, demography, economics, or a related social science or health science field, and a strong track record demonstrating mastery of quantitative research approaches. Ideally, the fellow should have some prior knowledge and research implementation experience related to sexual and reproductive, maternal, or child health. Research experience in low-resource settings, especially in Africa, and ideally in at least two of the study countries, is highly valued. Ability to make at least four international trips per year is expected. Excellent communication and exemplary writing skills, effective time management and organization, and attention to detail and precision are imperative.

Timeframe: The anticipated start will be in Fall 2020 but is negotiable. Applications submitted by January 27, 2020 will be prioritized.

How to Apply: 

Please send your CV, cover letter, and an academic writing sample to: 

Dr. Jenny Liu (UCSF School of Nursing, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences): [email protected]

and 

Dr. Kelsey Holt (UCSF School of Medicine, Person-Centered Reproductive Health Program within the Department of Family and Community Medicine): [email protected]

Location: 
San Francisco
Greater Bay Area
Peninsula
California
International