Social Science Research Scholar (1-year Fixed Term)

Stanford University (US); Stanford (CA); Remote; USD 93,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in California is seeking a research scholar to lead quantitative analyses in a research group focused on the effects of vaccinations on cognition. Candidates should have a doctoral degree with quantitative training, strong coding skills, and a passion for improving health outcomes. The role offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits.

Benefits

Career development programs

Generous time-off

Excellent health care benefits

Commuter programs and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience with quasi-experimental techniques such as regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences.
• Background in health-related research is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out data analyses.
• Supervising data analyses led by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
• Mentoring and advising junior researchers.
• Assisting with, and leading the writing of, grant applications for research funding.
• Communicating with research funders, data providers, and project administrative staff.

Skills

Strong coding skills in R, Stata

Strong writing and analytical skills

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Doctoral degree with quantitative training or research experience

Job description

Overview

The Division of Primary Care and Population Health seeks to serve our community through caring, learning, and innovation for the whole person through all stages of life. While engaged in practice and teaching, our faculty are dedicated to establishing new knowledge as the basis for future practice and prevention, and to applying that knowledge to improve care for all and reduce health disparities.

The research scholar will take a leadership role in Pascal Geldsetzer’s research group, a “dry lab” focused on quantitative analyses of existing, often publicly accessible, datasets. The group is currently focused on studying the causal effect of shingles vaccination on cognition (see https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.23.23290253v1, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.08.23295225v1, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.24309563v1.full). In extensions of this work, the group is also interested in the effect of other vaccinations given in old age on dementia as well as the effect of infections on dementia. Key data sources for our projects are electronic health record data, epidemiological cohort studies, mortality data, and other large health-related administrative datasets. The researcher is expected to publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out data analyses
• Supervising data analyses led by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
• Writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
• Mentoring and advising junior researchers
• Assisting with, and leading the writing of, grant applications for research funding
• Communicating with research funders, data providers, and project administrative staff

Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree with quantitative training or research experience
• Training and experience in quasi-experimental techniques (regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, interrupted time-series, etc.)
• A background in health-related research is a plus but not required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong coding skills in R, Stata, or other statistical software package
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize workload

Compensation and Eligibility

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. The expected pay range for this position is $93,000 to $148,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits and Additional Information

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.