Position Summary

Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity (BRIDGE) at San Diego State University is recruiting a Research Scientist to contribute to ongoing research focused on improving the health of individuals and populations in low resourced contexts. We work in Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, and locally in San Diego County. Current areas of research include interventions addressing: the alcohol-HIV syndemic, PrEP uptake and persistence, HIV/STI prevention, family planning, mental health, intimate partner violence, and research on reducing RSV burden. Our research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and other public and private funders. We collaborate with a robust portfolio of domestic and international researchers at Boston College, University of California San Francisco, University of California San Diego, Arizona State University, Makerere University, University of Ibadan, FIOCRUZ, University of California Los Angeles, University of Cape Town, and Johns Hopkins University, among others.

The Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity Research Scientist will primarily be responsible for leading and supporting scientific dissemination efforts (manuscript development on multiple ongoing studies and/or existing datasets); assisting principal investigators (PIs) with ongoing research including: development of study materials (such as intervention manuals, SOPs, and measures), leading qualitative and quantitative data analyses with minimal oversight from start to finish including coding, memoing (for qualitative), interpretation, and writing results; contributing to grant writing; assisting with supervising PhD and master’s students’ contributions to ongoing studies and/or manuscripts; and supporting non-peer reviewed dissemination activities (community presentations, briefs). In addition, the Research Scientist will assist study PIs and Program Managers with other research-related activities, including IRB renewals, grant reports, and monitoring research participant recruitment and retention efforts. As desired, the Research Scientist will have opportunities to develop independent programs of research in line with the mission of BRIDGE.

The position is full-time (salaried), with benefits included. This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

This position, within Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity, working with Drs. Susan M. Kiene and Amanda Miller, faculty in the School of Public Health, is a career track role with opportunities for advancement. The initial appointment through San Diego State University is for one year, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year upon satisfactory performance. After the first two years, there is an opportunity for an appointment of up to three years through the SDSU Research Foundation. Future extensions beyond five years are expected to be available, subject to funding availability.

Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity (BRIDGE) Mission

Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity is a diverse multidisciplinary team of researchers focused on achieving health equity on a global scale. Our mission is to advance global health equity through evidence-based approaches. We do this by developing and nurturing equitable global partnerships to co-lead research and integrating stakeholders throughout our research process to develop scalable culturally and contextually-relevant programs with health sector support to speed the translation from evidence to practice.

For more information regarding BRIDGE, click here, and about the SDSU School of Public Health, click here.

Education and Experience

• Earned doctoral degree in public health, epidemiology, social and behavioral sciences, clinical psychology, or related fields.
• Training and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, research design, and statistical methods.

Key Qualifications

• Relevant research experience (e.g., quantitative research methods and analysis, epidemiological methodologies)
• Experience conducting qualitative research (experience with Dedoose software preferred but not required)
• Demonstration of successful high-level scientific writing (i.e. first author of at least three peer-reviewed manuscripts)
• Experience developing materials for behavioral/psychosocial health interventions including manuals, implementer training manuals, training skills assessment
• Willingness to learn new techniques, methodologies, and research protocols as needed
• Experience developing study measures and with data collection tools (comfort with Open Data Kit or Kobo Collect preferred)
• Experience using statistical software programs (e.g., SAS, SPSS, R)
• Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing information
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and timelines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple tasks, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accurate records
• Ability to work efficiently and independently while adhering to project timelines and milestones
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and interact effectively with coworkers, research teams, and administrative staff
• Experience in leadership, group coordination, or management
• Ability to train and supervise staff and graduate students
• Knowledge of manuscript writing, grant proposals, and other grant responsibilities such as summary or progress reports
• Ability to prepare conference presentations and make presentations to groups
• Relevant regulatory experience (e.g., institutional research boards, funding agencies, data and quality management systems)
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. And there’s so much more! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $70,000 - $90,000 annually commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

To apply, we require the following:

• A current CV
• A cover letter describing fit with and qualifications for the position, research interests, and research/career goals.
• The names/contact information of three professional references

Review of applications will be ongoing. The position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Susan Kiene (skiene@sdsu.edu), Dr. Amanda Miller (apmiller@sdsu.edu), or Jamie Moody (jmoody@sdsu.edu).

Supplemental Information

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Rachael Stalmann at rstalmann@sdsu.edu