Job Description
The Division of Primary Care and Population Health, within the Department of Medicine, 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 the greatest extent possible applying that knowledge to improve care for all and reduce health disparities.
The Division of Primary Care and Population Health is seeking a Social Science Research Professional 1 to perform work to support research to develop public programs and policies, applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory. With close supervision, this position will provide support to a variety of projects including those that use secondary data (e.g., systematic reviews), and those that are conducting primary data collection. An important focus of this work will be the support of projects that apply virtual reality to the health and wellbeing of older and seriously ill adults.
Duties Include
- Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
- Contribute to characterizing and identifying appropriate virtual reality media for health applications and applying them to understanding individual (e.g., culture or gender associated) differences in VR response. Train participants and set up virtual reality environments (e.g., social virtual reality).
- Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
- Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents, and ensure compliance with research protocols and human subjects requirements.
- Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
- Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
- Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
- Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure renewals are approved and completed, seeking guidance where necessary.
- Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.
- May orient and train new staff or students.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in science or a healthcare field, and previous experience conducting and participating in health or medical research.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Education & Experience (required)
- Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (required)
- General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with human study participants.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, and operates foot and/or hand controls.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Working Conditions
- May be exposed to blood borne pathogens.
- May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.
Working Standards
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.
Why Stanford is for You
Our Culture And Unique Perks Empower You With
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy.
- 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.
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.
As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit: https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19-guide/interim-policies/covid-19-vaccination-and-surveillance-testing