Research Associate, Public Health, Research Scientist

Research Associate-Fixed Term

The Michigan State University-Hurley Children's Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative in the C.S. Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University invites applications for the position of Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed-Term) for one year. This position will be based in Flint, Michigan.

The overall mission of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative (PPHI) is to improve the outcomes of Flint children. Through clinical and community programs, partnerships, advocacy, training, and evaluation, the Pediatric Public Health Initiative strives for health equity and serves as a national resource for best practices.

The Post-Doctoral Research Associate will work directly with Dr. Mona Hanna to contribute to research related to the Rx Kids program. Rx Kids is the first community-wide unconditional cash prescription program in the United States. Rx Kids seeks to advance health equity by proactively addressing maternal and infant economic instability. The research team is focused on the impact of Rx Kids on maternal and infant health, families' basic needs/economic stability, process/service utilization, community-level impact, and systems change.

The Post-Doctoral Research Associate will take a lead role in developing grant proposals, conducting data analyses, preparing manuscripts for publications, and directing research projects under the supervision of Dr. Mona Hanna.

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting and assessing data from a variety of sources, including vital records, Medicaid, and other relevant datasets.
• Conducting extensive independent statistical and spatial analyses to support research objectives.
• Drafting grant proposals and contributing to the development of new research proposals.
• Communicating research findings to public and professional audiences through oral presentations, peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and technical reports.

This position is a 12-month fixed-term appointment with a potential start date of November 1, 2025. This is a hybrid position with at least 2 days in office in Flint, MI. Depending on funding, multiple post-doctoral research associates may be hired.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree:
Doctorate - Public Health

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, health policy and public policy, pediatrics, child development, maternal and infant health, or related discipline
• Strong background in research methods, with demonstrated experience in population level data
• Advanced skills in statistical analysis including difference-in-difference analysis.
• Excellent writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team

Desired

Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with subject matter knowledge in maternal and infant health and/or cash transfer programs. In addition, preference will be given to candidates with advanced knowledge in statistical methods (e.g., multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling). We also seek individuals who may be currently independently funded through an extramural training award that is closely aligned with either maternal/child health or health disparities.

Familiarity with community-partnered research approaches is also desired.

Required Application Materials:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Publications or writing samples (1-2)
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Review of Applications Begins On: 11/04/2025

Remote Work Statement: MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.