Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - EPI-CAL

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant or Associate rank within the Statewide Early Psychosis Implementation Research and Evaluation for California (EPI-CAL) program.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency in 1) Analysis of large scale data sets related to early psychosis populations; 2) Increasing knowledge and skills around cultural, linguistic and religious identity and mental health considerations in marginalized populations related to early psychosis care; 3) Increasing knowledge and skills around the needs and preference of caregivers and support persons for individuals living with psychosis. Appointees with Project Scientist series may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Tara Niendam and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment

Research and evaluation activity (43%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to implementation research and large-scale programmatic evaluation related to statewide early psychosis efforts in California. The candidate will provide computational expertise to support collection, organization, analysis and reporting of various data sets, including state-level data (census data, Medi-Cal cost data) to develop models around county- and state-level outpatient and inpatient costs for individuals with psychotic symptoms. Other data areas include qualitative data (e.g., focus groups, interviews), training evaluation data, as well as survey data from service users, support persons and clinical providers. The candidate will also bring expertise around working with individuals and families from marginalized communities in various capacities and settings.

Tasks will include: 1) collection and management of large qualitative and quantitative datasets, development of code for analysis, coding of qualitative data, summarizing and reporting of results through various dissemination approaches (i.e., conference posters and/or presentations, manuscripts, presentations to state or community level partners); and 2) review and summary of current literature on various topics related to early psychosis, developing research or evaluation questions, supporting research or evaluation analysis, reporting findings via various dissemination approaches, and developing trainings on literature and new findings for EP programs statewide.

The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigators and collaborators. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate will collaborate with various team members to complete these tasks. The appointee collaborates with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects that include components falling within the appointee's area of expertise.

Publication and Presentation (10%)

The appointee will present findings a relevant conferences and publish research or evaluation findings in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)

The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

The candidate will work as part of the team to support data and analysis that supports project goals, which may include support of junior staff to develop data and analysis skills. In some cases, the appointee may oversee students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the data analysis, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

The candidate will participate in the development of evidence-based training and technical assistance for individuals providing clinical and support services to individuals with early psychosis based upon their technical expertise (e.g., state-level cost and utilization; cultural, linguistic and religious identity; mental health considerations in marginalized populations) and lived experience in these spaces. The candidate may provide leadership in these spaces to ensure that training and technical assistance is in line with larger programmatic goals and includes evidence from the literature and data associated with the program.

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

The appointee may participate in SOM and/or main campus organizations relevant to their areas of expertise as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant/associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant/associate rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related degree.

At least 4 years of experience in academic research post terminal degree.

Research experience in large dataset evaluation and working with marginalized populations around psychosis.

Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations

Specific qualifications for this role include

• Expertise in the intersection of cultural, linguistic and religious identity and mental health considerations in marginalized populations: This includes skills related to the collection and evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative data related to individuals' cultural, linguistic and religious identity and how it impacts their experience of mental health challenges as well as help seeking in their community.
• Expertise in mental health literacy, stigma and access to services. This includes use of qualitative and quantitative data to explore how these factors impact help seeking and use of services.
• Expertise in modeling cost and utilization of health services in large data sets: This includes knowledge of how to harmonize longitudinal data, code for variables of interest, code for analysis, develop graphs to represent data appropriately, and provide written summaries of findings for academic and community readers.
• Expertise in qualitative data collection, coding and analysis. This can include data collection in focus groups, interviews or other methods, coding using software like Nivivo, summarizing findings and reporting results in manuscripts or other documentation.

Demonstrated statistical analysis skills

Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a large research team.

Demonstrated strong organizational skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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