2021 Post-doctoral Research Fellowship - University of California San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI)

LOCATION: San Francisco, CA

CLOSING DATE: March 3, 2021

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Fellowship

JOB #: 16811

POSTED: January 14, 2021

Description:

Overview: The goal of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) is to provide accurate, timely policy-oriented research to inform appropriate programmatic and policy responses to prevent and end homelessness. Funded by a generous gift from Marc and Lynne Benioff, the BHHI, based at the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, seeks to become a trusted source for evidence-based practice and policy, turning evidence into action to prevent and end homelessness.


The BHHI will use strategic science to derive evidence-based practices and policies to prevent and end homelessness. Strategic science is a way to conduct research that creates a reciprocal relationship between the researchers and those who act upon it—policymakers, practitioners, and those living with homelessness. Those who act upon research (“end users”) play a major role in developing the research agenda. In strategic science, researchers work together with these end users to identify high priority questions and identify which of these require new research. We will work closely with end users to develop policy recommendations, seeking opportunities to provide non-partisan, expert opinion to influence policymaking at the local, state and federal levels. We seek opportunities to communicate our findings broadly, including the peer-reviewed scientific literature as well as non-peer-reviewed sources.
In this larger effort to prevent and end homelessness, the BHHI has developed a post-doctoral training program to train the next generation of strategic scientists who are empowered to address upstream causes of homelessness. Our projects will rely on diverse research methodologies including quantitative methods, qualitative methods, or mixed methods and utilize a diverse set of research designs including longitudinal, cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, natural experiments, implementation and translational science, and policy evaluation.


Post-Doctoral Program Description: The UCSF BHHI is seeking highly motivated scholars to join a multidisciplinary team for a 2 year postdoctoral program. This is a full time position based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Scholars will work closely with established BHHI faculty to conduct research on projects related to homelessness, and to translate these findings into evidence-based programs and policy solutions. Scholars will be based at the UCSF Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital campus and will have access to resources across the UCSF campuses. Scholars will be assigned a primary research mentor from within the UCSF faculty, and have the opportunity to work with multiple BHHI faculty. They will be a part of a group of 3 postdoctoral scholars from different disciplines engaged in a structured training program that includes works-in-progress and other career development activities.
Postdoctoral program applicants must possess a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in epidemiology, health or public health, urban policy, social work, sociology, anthropology, economics, health services research or a related field. Strong quantitative or qualitative analytical and writing skills are required. This position is for up to two years and suitable for graduating doctoral students who are looking to gain research experience and further career development in either academic or applied settings. Previous experience in social determinants of health, health and/or racial disparities, and populations at risk for or experiencing homelessness is highly desired. Methodological expertise in cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, qualitative and mixed methods research is highly desirable. Experience in Stata, R, or SAS for quantitative analyses and Atlas.ti., Dedoose or Nvivo for qualitative analyses is required. Scholars will be expected to conduct statistical and/or qualitative research analysis, publish first-authored manuscripts on projects aligned with the primary research topic, present findings at national conferences and disseminate with local partners, and prepare grant applications to establish research independence. In keeping with our goal of training the next generation of strategic scientists, fellows will also be expected to pursue communication opportunities beyond the peer-reviewed literature such as op-eds, policy briefs or white papers. Drs. Maya Vijayaraghavan and Meghan Morris will serve as core professional mentors and scholars will benefit from research mentorship from a rich set of BHHI faculty.

The UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at San Francisco General Hospital carries out innovative

research to prevent and treat chronic disease in populations for whom social conditions often conspire to both
promote various chronic diseases and make their management more challenging. Founded in 2006, the CVP
is located on the campus of San Francisco General Hospital. Beyond the local communities it serves, CVP is
nationally and internationally known for its research in health communication and health policy to reduce health
disparities, with special expertise in the social determinants of health, including literacy, homelessness, food
policy, poverty, and minority status, with a focus on the clinical conditions of pre-diabetes, diabetes, and
cardiovascular disease.


The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information

Additional Details:

Skills/Eligibility:

We welcome applications from Scholars with lived experience of homelessness or substantive engagement
with populations that experience homelessness. We have a clear vision where a diverse mix of talented people
can do their best work. BHHI’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion is grounded in
our goal to prevent and end homelessness.

How to Apply:

All application packets must include: 1) a cover letter describing your interests, experience, how this opportunity will aid your career goals, and your experiences and contributions to support diversity and inclusion, 2) your CV, 3) one manuscript and/or writing sample (published or unpublished), and 4) three letters of reference. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the
recruitment period.

Applications are due by 5pm PST March 3, 2021, with final decisions to be
communicated in mid-April 2021. The start date is September 7, 2021. Salaries are competitive and will be
commensurate with the applicants’ experience and training. Additional funding is available for travel,
coursework, presentations, and research expenses.


Applicants may submit their applications in an email entitled “BHHI postdoc application” to Alma Yates
(Alma.Yates@ucsf.edu). Questions about the position can also be directed to Drs. Morris
(meghan.morris@ucsf.edu) and Vijayaraghavan (maya.vijayaraghavan@ucsf.edu).

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