Bethesda, MD: Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA), National Cancer Institute, NIH

Job Title: Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA)
Organization: National Cancer Institute
Posted: 11/26/2007
Type: Full-Time
Classification: Public Health - General
Industry: Federal Government
Number of Openings: 1
Location: Bethesda, MD USA

Position Description: The Cancer Research Training Award provides an outstanding opportunity for an individual with a strong interest in understanding how cancer care (screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring) is delivered and has an impact on populations. This person will gain experience and understanding of how to analyze and evaluate relevant data on processes of care, economic impacts, intermediate, and long-term outcomes in populations and in cancer programs while he/she works as an extramural scientist. The CRTA appointment is a one- or two-year position. Position provides an exciting and unique opportunity to work with leaders in the field of population monitoring and assessment of health services research related to cancer. The position will allow contact with a large number of scientists representing disciplines of health services research, economics, psychometrics, epidemiology, public health, statistics, and clinical health services research (including experts in cancer program evaluation, quality of care assessment, and other cross- cutting arenas of application). Primary activities will include supporting the quality of cancer care research activities in the branch, including research to define, assess, monitor, and improve the quality of cancer care, including support for major national program evaluations of the NCI Community Cancer Care Program and the Medicare Oncology Demonstration project. Other research supported by the branch includes projects on cancer outcomes measurement, focusing on patient-reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life, symptoms from disease or treatment, patient perceptions of and satisfaction with care, and economic burden, and the application of modern psychometric methods to improve measures. The trainee will work collaboratively in a support role with scientific staff at the National Cancer Institute in the design, development and analysis of research projects and grant-related activities. Day- to-day activities might include assessing the state of knowledge in a particular area, preparing reports; assisting with study management, development of questionnaires, maintenance of databases, data analysis, and publications; conducting literature searches; portfolio analyses; gathering and summarizing background information about scientific findings and health policy; participating in Branch meetings; and attending lectures and meetings sponsored by the National Institutes of Health or other agencies.

Qualifications: Minimum of a master’s degree in public health (MPH or MSPH), or current enrollment in a graduate public health program in epidemiology, nutrition, statistics, genetics, behavioral or cognitive psychology or a related public health science, or masters degree in related field such as economics, statistics, demography, or public administration.
A strong interest in public health, population-based research and cancer control. Experience conducting research or serving as a research assistant on a scientific project.

Excellent organizational, planning, writing, and project management skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

The ability to work independently and on research teams.

Data management skills (experience with spreadsheets and statistical software packages is desirable).

Organization Description:

Closing Date: 12/17/2007
Desired Starting Date:

Contact Name: Emily Dowling,
Contact Location: 6130 Executive Blvd
EPN, Room 4005, MSC 7344
Bethesda MD 20892-7344
USA
Contact Phone:
Contact Fax:
Contact Email: dowlinge@mail.nih.gov
Web Address: http://appliedresearch.cancer.gov/

How to Apply: Application Requirements: A one-page letter explaining your interest in public health, health services research and cancer control, as well as how you see this position furthering your career goals (include your earliest start date). CV or resume.