PT Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

2d•$35•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Health Policy and Administration in the College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to work with Dr. Jess Williams on a program of research examining Total Worker Health® (TWH) adoption and implementation in nursing homes. This NIOSH-funded project (Implementation of Total Worker Health® in Nursing Homes) has two aims: (1) assessing organizational factors — such as chain membership and community resources — that influence TWH adoption in nursing homes in Federal Region VII, using survey data linked with Medicare data; and (2) using in-depth interviews with Directors of Nursing to examine the decisional processes, competing priorities, and cultural factors that shape TWH implementation. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral scholar interested in long-term care, health services research, and occupational health policy to develop an independent research trajectory while contributing to an active, externally funded project. The appointment is part-time and may be well suited to a candidate balancing another academic appointment, clinical role, or research position.

Requirements

In progress or earned Ph.D. in Health Policy, Health Services Research, Public Health, Gerontology, Health Economics, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience with statistical programming and quantitative data analysis (Stata strongly preferred; R acceptable).
Strong written communication skills, with experience contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Experience conducting literature reviews.

Nice To Haves

Research related to long-term care, nursing homes, aging services, or occupational health and safety.
Experience with Medicare claims data or other large administrative/secondary datasets.
Qualitative data coding and analysis of interview transcripts (e.g., using NVivo, Atlas.ti, or comparable software).
Experience preparing or contributing to federal grant applications (e.g., NIH, NIOSH, AHRQ).

Responsibilities

Conduct quantitative statistical analyses of survey and Medicare claims/administrative data, primarily in Stata (R also acceptable), including data management, cleaning, and merging of complex datasets.
Support qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts with Directors of Nursing, including coding, theme development, and interpretation (training provided as needed).
Conduct literature reviews and synthesize prior research to inform manuscript introductions, discussion sections, and grant proposals.
Co-author and lead the drafting of peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference abstracts, and presentations reporting project findings.
Contribute to the preparation of research reports, dissemination materials, and stakeholder communications for academic and nursing home industry audiences.
Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and progress reports as opportunities arise.
Participate in regular research meetings with the PI and project team.