Job Opportunity - Research Associate and Postdoctoral Positions at the ITA - Harvard Medical School

The Institute for Technology Assessment (ITA) at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking one (1) research associate and one (1) post-doctoral fellow to work closely with Mohammad Jalali, PhD and his team on an FDA-funded project aiming to expand and enhance the FDA's opioid systems model. This model aims to improve and inform the national-level decision and policy making necessary to address the opioid crisis. 

Working in an interdisciplinary research group, the candidate will develop and quantify the model and verify its ability to provide realistic outputs historically, and into the future; and use the verified model to answer key policy questions and identify the best combination of interventions to combat the opioid crisis. The model is developed using system dynamics with close collaboration with the FDA. Candidates are expected to have a strong data analytics background and be familiar with the databases (NSDUH, TEDS, and CDC’s WONDER, among others) and literature related to prescription opioids and heroin. 

This position is best for individuals those planning to apply for PhD/MD programs in the future (RA); or a faculty position in the field of data analytics and systems science applied to healthcare or medical decision making (post-doc). This is a one-year position, with the expectation of renewal for a second year upon mutual consent. The research associate and the postdoctoral fellow will directly report to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Jalali). Selected candidates are expected to join the project as soon as possible.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Anticipated responsibilities include: 

1) Statistical analysis of various opioid datasets as well as data visualization 

2) Review and assimilation of the opioid literature

3) Documenting the workflow and data analysis procedure 

4) Providing support in generating parameter inputs and running of the simulation model 

5) Providing support for developing and updating the project website and disseminating the results 

6) Composition of presentations & presentation of the results 

7) Participation in scientific manuscript preparation and writing 

Creative thinking, ability to work independently, willingness to learn new software and skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks are expected. Priority goes to highly motivated and organized individuals, committed to doing impactful research, with great attention to details.  

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

· A strong interest in public health and health policy aspects related to the opioid research 

· Experience with at least one statistical software (Stata or SAS preferred) 

· Exposure to programming 

· Excellent writing skills for contributing to article writing 

· Ability to perform literature searches and critically analyze the literature 

· Strong work ethic and excellent organization skills  

(RA Position)

EDUCATION: Minimum Required: Bachelor’s degree Preferred: Master’s degree 

FIELD OF STUDY: Public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, social sciences, and other similar fields. Familiarity with opioid research (data analysis and population-based outcome research or policy analytics) is a requirement. Familiarity with simulation/mathematical/statistical modeling is a plus, but not a requirement.

(Post-doc Position)

EDUCATION & FIELD OF STUDY: A doctoral degree in health policy, biostatistics epidemiology, social sciences, mathematics, operations research, or systems engineering is required. Familiarity with opioid research (data analysis and population-based outcome research or policy analytics) is strongly preferred. Experience with simulation modeling is a plus.   

All candidates will work closely with Dr. Jalali in a collaborative, productive, and friendly research team at the Institute for Technology Assessment: 101 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114.   

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to Dr. Mohammad Jalali (‘MJ’) at msjalali@mgh.harvard.edu— (subject line: "Postdoctoral Fellow" or "Research Associate"). Feel free to ask any questions. Applicants are recommended to submit their materials as soon as possible.