Post-Doctorate Research Associate

The Institute on Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Chicago-based Adler School of Professional Psychology is seeking a Post-Doctorate Research Associate to work on a Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) project. Funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this is a opportunity to be at the forefront of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) practice. HIA practice involves the systematic assessment of the impacts of public decisions (e.g., legislation, policy, programs, and projects) on communities with the goals of correcting health inequalities and improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

About the Position
The Post-Doctorate Research Associate will help conduct a Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) of a piece of legislation, public policy, a plan or project to assess its impact on the collective mental health and well-being of the community of Englewood – a low income African American community in Chicago. The successful candidate will be involved in every step of the HIA process (e.g., screen, scope, assess, report, evaluate/monitor). Principle tasks will include the following:
• Conduct literature reviews/pathway analyses
• Design and implement a research protocol to assess the effects of a public decision on population mental health
• Write up interim and final research findings
• Assist in writing academic and popular articles
• Conduct presentations, including briefings, public testimony, and interviews

The Post-Doc will also be expected to assist in writing grant proposals.

Qualifications
Requirements:
• Completion of a Ph.D. in Community Psychology
• Experience in conducting community-based, participatory research
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Clear and demonstrated understanding of how social conditions impact population mental health
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong written and oral presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders including community residents, staff at community-based organizations and government agencies, elected officials, and local business people
• Knowledge and understanding of social, economic, and political context of Chicago is highly desirable
• Knowledge about and understanding of HIA practice is highly desirable

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an emerging field of practice Health Impact Assessments. The position is full-time for 18 months and will include full benefits.

Start date: April 15, 2011