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January 23, 2010
Postdoctoral Scholar, Health Systems Improvement
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Description:
The Center for Health Care and Policy Research (CHCPR) at the Pennsylvania State University is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Health Systems Improvement. The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with CHCPR faculty on ongoing research, assist in the development of new research proposals, and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This is a two-year appointment beginning in Fall 2010.
Prior to starting the postdoctoral fellowship, applicants must have completed all requirements for a Doctoral degree in health services research or a related field. We especially seek candidates who have conducted mixed methods research or have strong quantitative research skills. Experience collecting or using community-level data from multiple stakeholders such as employers, health care providers and delivery organizations, and public and private payers to study costs, health outcomes, or program efficiency and effectiveness is desirable.
The successful applicant will participate in a health systems improvement research program entitled Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) (see http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/CHCPR/alignforce/), which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is led by Dennis Scanlon, Associate Professor of Health Policy & Administration. Dr. Scanlon’s research focuses on local and national efforts to reduce medical errors and improve health care quality. He is a recipient of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Award in Health Policy Research and also has received funding from the Center for Health Care Strategies, the Centers for Disease Control, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the California HealthCare Foundation and the Integrated Benefits Institute. In addition to working with Dr. Scanlon, the postdoctoral scholar will be encouraged to interact and collaborate with other CHCPR faculty.
The Center for Health Care and Policy Research offers a stimulating environment for health systems research. As part of a large network whose shared interests include improving population and community health, CHCPR collaborates with Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute, the Population Research Institute, the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, and academic departments within both the College of Health and Human Development and the College of Medicine. The Center provides access to a variety of national data sets that are suitable for health services and health systems research. Additional information about CHCPR is available at http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/chcpr/about/index.html.
The Pennsylvania State University is a land grant institution. University Park, its largest campus, enrolls nearly 40,000 students and offers more than 100 programs of graduate study. The surrounding community of State College is well known for its excellent schools and high quality of life.
Review of applications will begin in December 2009, and will continue until the position is filled. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. The expected start date is September 1, 2010. Send letters of application, including a complete resume and the names, postal and email addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references to: Brigitt Heier, Research Assistant, Center for Health Care and Policy Research, The Pennsylvania State University, 504 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802 (phone: 814-867-1950, e-mail: bjh156@psu.edu). The stipend and benefits associated with this postdoctoral fellowship are competitive and reflect national standards.
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.
