Epidemiologist IV - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Bethesda, MD 20817-0000
About the Job
Join the HJF Team!
HJF is seeking an Epidemiologist IV to support the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP) Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) under the Department of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU), located in Bethesda, MD. Incumbent will be responsible for conducting epidemiological studies on prostate cancer, developing study designs, analyzing research data, and generating evidence to better understand the etiology and risk factors for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. The Epidemiological IV will serve as a lead for CPDR’s Epidemiology and Database team. Incumbent assists in formulating priorities and policies to enhance CPDR’s interdisciplinary translational and epidemiological research activities.
About CPDR:
CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational prostate cancer research program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Department of Surgery and the John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program (MCCRP) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Established in 1992 (Public Law 102-172), CPDR's mission of studying prostate cancer and prostate disease in the US Military Health Care System, is fulfilled primarily through its three principal programs: (1) the Clinical Translational Research Center; (2) the Basic Science Research Program, and (3) the Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database to encompass its clinical research work with participating military medical centers.
The Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database is a highly valuable programmatic resource that banks comprehensive demographic, clinic-pathologic, treatment, outcomes, health-related quality of life and longitudinal follow-up data on men under suspicion for prostate cancer. With over 30,000 prostate cancer subjects enrolled to date, the database is a national resource for prostate disease researchers, supporting breakthroughs in studies on prostate disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The database enables CPDR researchers to examine patients diagnosed in an equal access health care system, who are characterized by racial/ethnic heterogeneity. Patient data are linked to bio-specimens including urine, serum, and tissue providing opportunity to examine important translational research questions, including biomarkers of disease detection and progression.
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.
Responsibilities:- Initiate, design, and execute epidemiological studies to investigate the incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of prostate cancer to advance the field of research using the unique resources available at the CPDR and MCCRP.
- Lead a team of biostatisticians, junior epidemiologists, research assistants, or research associates in conducting epidemiological studies on prostate cancer.
- Direct and participate in prioritized research projects on prostate cancer, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, researchers, statisticians, and regulatory affairs coordinators.
- Conduct literature reviews to identify gaps in prostate cancer epidemiology, keep abreast of the latest research advancements, emerging methods, technologies, and trends, and incorporate them into research projects where appropriate.
- Provides guidance and support for CPDR initiatives of developing research funding through grants and other opportunities.
- Collect and analyze relevant data from different sources, including clinicopathologic records from clinical and population databases, surveys, and clinical trials.
- Provide epidemiological and biostatistical support to the team through the development and implementation of appropriate statistical methods to analyze epidemiological data, including descriptive and inferential analyses, and interpret the results of research studies.
- Guide junior biostatisticians, research assistants, or research associates in data processing and analysis.
- Prepares new grant and funding applications. Serves as Principal Investigator on awards/proposals. Prepares technical reports and deliverables on assigned awards.
- Communicate findings of research studies by giving presentations, writing reports, and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
- Maintain ethical standards and ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines during all research activities.
- Actively represents CPDR, MCCRP, and USUHS by participating in national and international meetings.
- Develops and fosters collaborative relationships aligned with program mission and vision.
- Develops new ideas, initiates independent high-impact research projects in the prostate cancer field. Plans and helps guide research activities relating to the investigation of new technologies and experiments directed at the practical application of scientific theories and processes.
- Serves as an advisor and mentor to CPDR Investigators and fellow researchers. Trains and supervises technical staff.
- Develops new technologies and protocols.
- Finalizes manuscripts and reviews for submission to scientific journals and patent applications.
- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct Supervisor: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.
Education and Experience
- Doctoral Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related scientific discipline required.
- Minimum of 6-8 years of experience is required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Specialization or demonstrated interest in cancer epidemiology, especially prostate cancer.
- Strong background in epidemiological study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of research findings.
- Proficiency in statistical methods and the use of statistical software packages, including SAS, SPSS, and R, and experience in analyzing large datasets.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of ethical principles and regulations governing human subject research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting epidemiological concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A strong track record of publishing in the peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Knowledge of complex clinical, preclinical and scientific procedures and experiments; ability to take initiative and develop new protocols; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge and ability to perform translational research in a multidisciplinary prostate disease research program setting. Incumbent is expected to work in a large multidisciplinary bio-medical research setting involving urologist, cancer biologist, pathologists, biostatisticians, regulatory and medical information experts.
- Active engagement in professional organizations within the prostate cancer research community.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical procedures; ability to work independently and supervise others.
Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check
Physical Capabilities
- Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods
Work Environment
- This position will take place primarily in an office setting.
Compensation:
- The annual salary range for this position is $100,500-$140,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.
Benefits:
- HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.
Note: This work site requires that Non-US Citizen incumbents have lived in the US three out of the past five years.
Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.
Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.