Post-Doctorate Research Associate
Community Psychologist

The Institute on Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Chicago-based Adler School of Professional Psychology is seeking a Post-Doctorate Research Associate to work on a Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) project. Funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this is a opportunity to be at the forefront of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) practice. HIA practice involves the systematic assessment of the impacts of public decisions (e.g., legislation, policy, programs, and projects) on communities with the goals of correcting health inequalities and improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

About The Adler School of Professional Psychology
Established in 1952, the Adler School 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; 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 several Master’s programs and a Doctoral program.

About the Institute on Social Exclusion
Created in the fall of 2005, the Institute on Social Exclusion 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<http://www.adler.edu>.

About the Position
The Post-Doctorate Research Associate will help conduct a Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) of a piece of legislation, public policy, a plan or project to assess its impact on the collective mental health and well-being of the community of Englewood – a low income African American community in Chicago. The successful candidate will be involved in every step of the HIA process (e.g., screen, scope, assess, report, evaluate/monitor).  Principle tasks will include the following:
•         Conduct literature reviews/pathway analyses
•         Design and implement a research protocol to assess the effects of a public decision on population mental health
•         Write up interim and final research findings
•         Assist in writing academic and popular articles
•         Conduct presentations, including briefings, public testimony, and interviews

The Post-Doc will also be expected to assist in writing grant proposals.

Qualifications
Requirements:
•         Completion of a Ph.D. in Community Psychology
•         Experience in conducting community-based, participatory research
•         Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
•         Clear and demonstrated understanding of how social conditions impact population mental health
•         Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
•         Strong written and oral presentation skills
•         Strong organizational skills
•         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
•         Knowledge and understanding of social, economic, and political context of Chicago is highly desirable
•         Knowledge about and understanding of HIA practice is highly desirable

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

Salary: negotiable, based on experience
Start date: April 15, 2011

To apply, please submit a cover letter, a resume, the names of three references and a brief writing sample by March 1, 2011 to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.  Please write “ISE/MHIA Post Doc” in the subject line when submitting application materials.
Lynn C. Todman, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Institute on Social Exclusion
The Adler School
17 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60602
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 312 662‐4000/4011
Fax: 312 662‐4098