Applied Decision Science in Cancer

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Services Research – Applied Decision Science in Cancer

The Decision Support Lab at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is accepting applications for postdoctoral research fellows interested in applied decision science. The Decision Support Lab is based in the Department of Health Services Research, under the leadership of Robert J. Volk, PhD (Director) and Lisa M. Lowenstein, PhD (Director of Implementation Science for the Decision Support Lab). The Lab also operates the Decision Science Core at MD Anderson (a shared resource funded by a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant) and the new Texas Decision Science Core (a state-wide, shared resource funded by a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Grant).

More information about the Decision Science Core can be found here: https://www.mdanderson.org/research/research-resources/core-facilities/decision-science-core-facility.html.

The Decision Support Lab is an innovative program that brings together multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, researchers, designers, and patients to produce and implement novel decision support tools to prepare patients for more productive discussions with their healthcare providers by helping them understand complex medical information, including the benefits and risks associated with screenings and treatments, and consider their personal values in making decisions about their care. By using high-quality research evidence in cancer care, the Decision Support Lab works toward the goal of promoting shared decision-making between patients and their clinicians across the cancer spectrum.

This postdoctoral fellowship will provide individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, dissemination, and publication of studies focusing on patient decision making in cancer care. Our research emphasizes priority populations including patients with low health literacy and patients whose primary language is not English.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Opportunities in this fellowship include:

•Developing and testing methods for presenting risk information and uncertainty to patients.

•Developing and testing methods of assessing preferences in making decisions about cancer screening.

•Decision making about new technologies such as multi-cancer early detection tests.

•Integrating risk models and personalization into patient decision support tools.

•Developing and testing approaches to implement decision support interventions into routine. clinical and/or public health practice based on principles from implementation science/knowledge translation.

•Collaborating on other projects in decision science across the cancer care spectrum.

Job Responsibilities:

•Participating in research project meetings and Decision Support Lab meetings.

•Collecting and analyzing survey and qualitative data (as needed).

•Preparation of scientific manuscript and presentations for scientific meetings.

•In coordination with Dr. Volk and/or Dr. Lowenstein, lead the research team in writing manuscripts, disseminating findings at scientific meetings, and preparing grant applications.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

•Experience in secondary prevention of cancer, health services, or decision-making research is strongly preferred.

•Experience in intervention development and testing using surveys and qualitative methodology (e.g., focus groups, semi-structured interviews).

•Familiarity with user centered design for intervention development and/or implementation science principles.

•Expertise in quantitative data analysis is required using STATA, SAS, R, or SPSS.

•Expertise in qualitative methodology and/or mixed methods is desired but not required.

•Strong writing and verbal communication skills are required as demonstrated by publications in decision science/patient-centered outcomes/health communication/health services research.

Education:

Qualified candidates should have a Doctorate Degree in in health services research, public health, psychology, epidemiology, biostatistics, engineering, informatics, human factors, or a related field.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Term:

The fellowship is a one-year, full-time commitment (40 hours per week), renewable upon mutual consent. Opportunities for the fellow to write and submit his/her individual grant (e.g. NIH career development award) would be provided and strongly supported by the PI and the institution.

Institution:

MD Anderson consistently tops U.S. News & World Reports list for cancer care (“Americas Best

Hospitals”) and is located in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the worlds largest. The proximity of the

TMC to Rice University and the Museum District, light rail connections to world-class performing arts and professional sporting venues, a short drive from Galveston and the Texas coast, and a diverse population of Houston are a few features of this uniquely cosmopolitan and affordable city.

Contact Information:

To apply, interested applicants should send the following materials in a single PDF in the following order:

1)Cover letter specifying past research experience, interests, and future goals

2)Curriculum Vitae

3)One published or unpublished manuscript by the applicant

4)At least 2 letters of reference from collaborators/mentors

Please email materials to Viola Leal, MPH, at VBenavidez@mdanderson.org with the subject line entitled “Research Fellow Application – Applicants Name.” Review of application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

POSITION INFORMATION

MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 (https://trainees.mdanderson.org/apply/mdaPostdoctoralFellowStipendFY24.pdf) . depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. MD Anderson trainee compensation also includes:

Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week

Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage

Paid education, vacation, and sick leave

Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs

Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans

Employer-paid life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program

Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts

Fertility benefits

State of Texas longevity pay

Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups