Senior Research Associate - School of Nursing

Date: October 2024

Title: Senior Research Associate 

Department:

School: Nursing

Location: NRB 3060

Supervisor Name and Title: Nicholas K. Schiltz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Research Associate (SRA) will be responsible for leading large-scale data analysis for health services, outcomes, disparities, quality of care, and comparative effectiveness research for research projects in collaboration with researchers throughout the university, and with partner institutions (e.g., Cleveland Clinic).  The SRA will play a leadership role in all aspects of carrying out research projects, including designing and planning; integrating complex, population-based databases; managing large databases; conducting advanced data analytics, and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.  Data sources include, but are not limited to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Medicare and Medicaid data, the Health and Retirement Study, the U.S. Census, and the Area Health Resource File, among others.  The SRA is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion.  As such, the SRA will support and contribute to the mission and objectives of the School of Nursing.  The SRA will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The SRA will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, and seminars, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. In consultation with investigators, and using complex data from the various data sources, lead the study design, including defining the study population, operationalizing the variables of interest, and constructing the analytic data set. Provide interpretation of various statistical outputs, develop predictions, and make recommendations on study design. (30%)
2. Oversee data analytics and statistical analysis for research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to PI regarding significant developments.  (20%)
3. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. (10%)
4. Supervise lab members in the design, writing, debugging, testing, and documenting statistical programs using standard statistical software packages, including SAS, R, and spatial analysis software. (10%)
5. Write and prepare manuscripts and provide data analysis and interpretation for PI grant proposals. (10%)
6. Prepare documentation for all the steps involved in preparing the analytic file, including version control, and create archival datasets for later use by the investigators. (5%)
7. Assist the PI in and independently develop new techniques and protocols. Train lab members on new techniques. (5%)
8. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.  (5%)
9. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. 

CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration

External: Other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. May supervise Research Associates within the lab. Oversee all lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: Minimum of 5 to 8 years of postdoctoral experience in health services research using large administrative databases is required. 

Education/Licensing: PhD in clinical research, biostatistics, or related field.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES 

1. Demonstrated expertise working with highly complex data, performing complex analytic tasks, and formulating findings and recommendations from the analysis. 
2. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs and work in various computing platforms, as needed. 
3. High level of proficiency in R, SAS, data visualization software packages.
4. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis. 
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
6. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.    
7. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.  
8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.  Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter. 
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

General office environment.  Work requires regular use of a computer keyboard and mouse.  Limited manual dexterity required. Work requires negligible physical exertion. No exposure to hazards.  Might require occasional work during evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Send inquiries containing a cover letter, CV and contact information for three references to nicholas.schiltz@case.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.