The AI.Health4All Center for Health Equity using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct an Implementation and Community Impact study for the NIH-funded Chicago Data-Driven Opioid Use Disorder Screening, Engagement, Treatment and Planning (C-DOSETaP) system.
The major scientific question being assessed for this implementation study is whether a structured rollout of data-driven screening can materially change clinical care. Three dimensions of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment and engagement will be assessed as primary outcomes for this part of the study. We will measure (a) screening rates, (b) improved continuity of care as evidenced by completed referrals to the next care site, and (c) increased use of MOUD across the University of Illinois Health system. These outcomes will be continuously measured over the course of the three-year study period. The metrics will be reviewed quarterly and challenges to achieving success will be examined by the OUD Command Center and Stakeholder Advisory Board.
This position will provide the successful candidate with opportunities to engage in mentored research with a multidisciplinary team, gaining experience in implementation and dissemination sciences; health care service research; manuscript/grant preparation; and knowledge translation to improve the equity of health care systems and disadvantaged populations. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of established researchers focused on shared decision making, patient centered care, and implementation science and pragmatic research. The candidate will be an integral part of a new initiative to conduct and support research that is rapid, rigorous and relevant to patients and a variety of diverse clinical settings.
The post-doctoral position provides advanced training to health services researchers and clinicians and prepares fellows for positions in academic medicine. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate on established projects, work as part of a team creating resources including interactive tools to support rapid and rigorous research, and be encouraged to conduct independent research with an emphasis on manuscript writing and grant submission.
Mentoring
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be affiliated AI.Health4All Center and expected to participate in monthly seminars as well as a writing seminar with other postdoctoral research Associates to develop a future competitive career award proposal for their own research. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have a mentoring committee that includes faculty and experts from the fields of Sociology, medicine, health care service research, bioinformatics, and community based participatory research.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Research Design: Develop a research strategy and study design to evaluate the implementation and impact of the C-DOSETaP system and local opioid response plan on (a) increased screening rates, (b) improved continuity of care, and (c) increased use of medications for OUD.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, preprocess, and analyze healthcare data, including electronic health records, surveys, and other relevant datasets.
- Career Pathway: Work with the faculty mentors to formulate a comprehensive career development plan focused on advancing expertise in health disparity research and submitting a competitive career award proposal.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with experts in health services research, epidemiology, public health, and related fields to gain insights and inform research directions.
- Publication and Presentation: Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences and seminars.
- Grant Writing: Contribute to grant proposal development to secure funding for ongoing research projects
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
• PhD or equivalent doctorate in a health-related field (e.g., social/health/decision-making psychology, nursing, health services research, etc.). Must have received a doctorate within the last five years and may only be appointed to this title for five years. Invitations to apply extend to individuals who will have their Ph.D. conferred prior to the commencement of employment.
• Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and health-related research.
• Experience working with healthcare datasets and familiarity with relevant privacy and security regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Communication and writing skills with success in previous academic research.
• Ability to multitask and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience working on data science projects will be an asset.
• Formal implementation science training (ie. certificate, summer course, institute training).
• Potential to develop an independent research career.
Application Instructions:
To apply, include a letter of interest detailing how your skills and experience relate to the qualifications, CV, and list of three professional references to Rebecca Feinstein, MPH, MSW, PhD at rfeinst@uic.edu.
For fullest consideration, resumes should be received by November 30, 2024
