Boston University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) is seeking a Research Scientist to support project research and management activities focused on policy evaluations related to chronic disease risk factors, such as nutrition and tobacco use. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Justin White.

The Research Scientist will support research activities on several research projects, such as an NIH-funded evaluation of the nation’s first healthy checkout policy, an evaluation of cigarette taxation on tobacco use, and an evaluation of changes to SNAP and other safety net policies on health outcomes. The incumbent will help with analyzing large data sets to examine the effects of social, economic, and health policies on various health behaviors and outcomes, in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams made up of health economists, epidemiologists, and others. This position requires the ability to independently conduct analytic work using the statistical programs Stata or R, and requires expertise with econometric and/or biostatistical techniques. This work involves cleaning and organizing large data sets, conducting regression analyses, and creating tables and reports describing the results. The incumbent will work with a variety of data sets, including administrative data, survey data, and retail sales data.

Essential functions:

- Statistical programming and analytic data set creation (40%)
- Implementing statistical analyses (25%)
- Contributing to manuscript writing, grant writing, and preparation of presentations (20%)
- Supporting project coordination activities (10%)
- Participating in other research and professional development activities that otherwise advances the candidate’s career (5%)

Required Skills

- Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in economics, health policy, data science, sociology, public policy, epidemiology, or a related field
- Familiarity with Stata or R
- Formal training or hands-on experience with quasi-experimental techniques such as difference-in-differences analysis
- Experience using large data sets (e.g., administrative, survey, retail scanner)
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Self-motivated and able to work independently, while also working well with teams
- Ability to balance multiple tasks and efficiently manage time

Candidates from historically excluded or marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.

There are currently 2 years of funding for this position, with the possibility that additional funding will become available.

Position is located in Boston, MA, with a flexible hybrid in-person and remote work schedule.