Staff Associate I

Staff Associate I

The Staff Associate I in the Kukafka Lab within the Department of Biomedical Informatics will work on a newly funded 5-year proposal funded by the National Cancer Institute. In this project, we will investigate where and why, on the patient's journey from understanding their risk to discussing risk-reducing medications with their provider, there is a divergence resulting in lower uptake of breast cancer chemoprevention relative to the use of statins for cardiovascular. Using iterative equity-focused human-centered design, we will uncover differences in the decision-making process (preventive regimens for breast cancer vs. cardiovascular disease). We previously developed and rigorously evaluated decision support tools for patients and providers. In this proposal, we will refine these decision-support tools based on a deeper understanding of chemoprevention uptake in the context of preventive therapy for cardiovascular disease. The proposal aims are to 1) apply human-centered design to refine decision support tools for patients and providers, 2) conduct a cluster randomized trial, and 3) conduct an equity-focused evaluation of intervention implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

a. Functional Knowledge - 15% • A broad understanding and general interest in the field of breast cancer prevention, conducting formative research, and conducting randomized clinical trials. • Knowledge of scientific research methods, including data collection and scientific methods of analysis. • Coordinate project activities, meetings, and communications to ensure timely progress and milestone achievement while ensuring IRB compliance. • Understanding of IRB and regulatory compliance. Assess progress according to the agreed-upon milestone to ensure project activities are implemented.

b. Problem Solving - 15% • Apply analytical skills to solve problems based on research protocols and procedures. • Identify barriers to progress and propose alternative solutions designed to meet stated milestones.

c. Decision Making/Autonomy - 15% • Independence and self-initiative are essential to assess progress according to milestones. Remediate barriers to progress by adapting relevant technology to the project's needs and conducting data analysis.   d. Technical Expertise - 35% • Conduct interviews with patients and providers, usability testing, prototype evaluations with high-risk women recruited from specialty clinics and primary care settings, and healthcare providers and stakeholders. • Utilize the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors influencing intervention implementation and sustainability across different levels (patient, clinic, health system). Conduct surveys, key informant interviews, and focus groups to gather insights.

e. Communication - 20% • Coordinate project activities, meetings, and communications to ensure timely progress and milestone achievement while ensuring IRB compliance. • Prepare progress reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. • Present findings at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to disseminate research outcomes and implications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 4 years of experience.