Post-doctorate Research Associate
Social Epidemiologist  

The Institute on Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Chicago-based Adler School of Professional Psychology is looking for a Post-Doctorate Research Associate to work on a Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) project. This is a professional opportunity to be at the forefront of community-focused Health Impact Assessment (HIA) work that is advancing systemic change to address health inequities and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. 

About the Adler School 
Established in 1952, the Adler School of Professional Psychology is an independent graduate school. The mission of the School is to further the pioneering work of Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist. We do this by: graduating socially responsible practitioners who are effective personal and social change agents in the pursuit of justice; engaging communities and creating collaborative partnerships that prepare students for professional work; and advancing social justice by promoting equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The Adler School has more than 1000 students enrolled in Master’s programs and a doctoral program.  

About the Institute on Social Exclusion
Created in the fall of 2005, the Institute on Social Exclusion (ISE) is the main vehicle by which the Adler School advances its social justice agenda. “Social Exclusion” refers to processes by which communities of people are systematically blocked from access basic rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of society (e.g., housing, education, health, safety) and that are critical for social integration.  The ISE engages in three types of activities: applied research, community outreach, and public education.  

For more details about the Adler School and the ISE, please visit our webpage at www.adler.edu.  

About the Position
The Post-doctoral Research Associate will help conduct a Health Impact Assessment of a piece of legislation, public policy, plan or project to assess its impact on the collective mental health and well-being of the community of Englewood in Chicago. The successful candidate will be involved in every step of the HIA process (screen, scope, assess, report, evaluate).  Principle tasks will include:
•	Conduct literature reviews;
•	Design and implement a qualitative research protocol to identify the effects of a public decision on a mental health impacts on a population of people;
•	Use epidemiological methods to evaluate the impact of public policies, programs, and projects on mental health;
•	Write up interim and final research results and manuscripts;
•	Conduct presentations, including public testimony;
•	Communicate with stakeholders and decision-makers about the importance of considering health in public policy and other decision making; and
•	Develop processes for evaluating HIA processes and monitoring its outcomes.

Qualifications
Requirements: 
•	Completion of a Ph.D. in Public Health with a strong background/concentration in social epidemiology;
•	Understanding of the social determinants of health, including mental health;
•	Strong qualitative research and analytic skills;
•	Experience in conducting community-based participatory research;
•	Strong writing and oral presentation skills;
•	Strong organizational skills; 
•	Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
•	Excellent interpersonal skills;
•	Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders including community residents, staff at community-based organizations and government agencies, elected officials, and local business people;
•	Experience in applying the public health literature, epidemiological studies, qualitative and quantitative models used to predict health impacts – highly desirable. 
•	Knowledge and understanding of Chicago politics – highly desirable; 
•	Knowledge about and understanding of HIA – highly desirable;  and 
•	Experience in quantitative research and analysis is highly desirable, as well as knowledge of STATA, SPSS or SAS – highly desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an emerging field of practice. The position is full time for 18 months and will include full benefits.  

Salary: negotiable, based on experience
Start date: February 1, 2011

To apply, please submit a cover letter, a resume, the names of three references and a brief writing sample by January 21, 2011 to [log in to unmask]  Please write “ISE/HIA Post Doc” in the subject line when submitting application materials. 



Lynn C. Todman, PhD
Executive Director, Institute on Social Exclusion
The Adler School
17 North Dearborn
Chicago, IL
60602
Fax: 312 662‐4098
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 312 662‐4011