PT Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Health Policy and Administration seeks a part-time Research Assistant to work with Dr. Jess Williams on Total Worker Health adoption in nursing homes.

This NIOSH-funded project examines organizational factors and uses interviews with Directors of Nursing to explore decisional processes and cultural factors shaping implementation. The appointment offers strong potential for building an independent research trajectory in health services research

Qualifications

• PhD 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 preferred; R acceptable).
• Experience conducting literature reviews and writing for peer-reviewed venues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative statistical analyses of survey and Medicare data, including data management and merging.
• Support qualitative analysis of interview transcripts, with coding and theme development.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize prior research to inform manuscripts and proposals.
• Co-author and lead drafting of peer‑reviewed manuscripts and conference materials.
• Prepare research reports, dissemination materials, and stakeholder communications.
• Assist with grant proposals and progress reports when opportunities arise.
• Participate in regular research meetings with the PI and project team.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Quantitative data analysis

Academic writing

Education

PhD in Health Policy or related field

Tools

Stata

R

NVivo

Atlas.ti

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

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.

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 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).

APPLICATION MATERIALS

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit: a cover letter describing their research experience and interest in occupational and health policy research; a current Curriculum Vitae (CV); and contact information for two professional references.

COMPENSATION

The hourly rate for this job is $35.00. This is a part‑time (50% FTE), limited‑term position located at Penn State University Park and is funded until 8/31/2027.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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