Principal Scientist, Cancer Disparity Research

JOB SUMMARY
The Population Science Department uses the collective expertise of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and behavioral scientists to better understand the behavioral, social, environmental, and biological factors that affect cancer prevention, risk, survivorship, and survival. This research aims to refine personalized risk prediction and targeted intervention strategies, inform public health and clinical decision-making for cancer prevention and survivorship, and reduce disparities among medically vulnerable populations. Most of the work within Population Science uses the Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS), a series of large-scale prospective cohort studies built and maintained by the American Cancer Society since the 1950s. The CPS cohorts include extensive survey-based data and other data sources such as accelerometry, blood, stool, saliva, and tumor tissue. The American Cancer Society has recently approved the launch of a new cohort to better characterize cancer risk and drivers of disparate cancer outcomes in Black women. We seek a doctorally-trained scientist in epidemiology to help facilitate the development of this new cohort.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
We are particularly interested in, but not limited to, scientists with expertise in the following areas:
– Epidemiologic study design
– Cancer health disparities
– Breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers
– Social epidemiology
– Cancer outcomes

The scientist hired for this position will initiate and support research activities related to new cohort development in collaboration with study staff and leadership. The incumbent will also serve as a public spokesperson for Population Science and the new cohort by communicating scientific progress and outcomes of recruitment efforts to stakeholders-including American Cancer Society staff and volunteers, the scientific community, mainstream media, and the public at large. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development large-scale cohort of under-represented minorities that will inform future cancer prevention and survivorship strategies. Specific responsibilities include:
– Collaborate with study management and intramural research scientists to develop protocols, consent procedures, and data use agreements.
– Engage with the American Cancer Society’s marketing and community outreach teams to build and implement recruitment strategies.
– Collaborate with study management and intramural research scientists to identify and develop data collection procedures, including questionnaire development and logistical protocols for biological and physical assessments.
– Provide programming support of external linkages (e.g., medical records, census data, cancer registries, and connection to personal devices)
– Interface with Study Management to (1) assist with participant consent process; (2) monitor data collection efforts; (3) receive and manage data deliveries; (4) oversee the manipulation, organization, and cleaning of data; and (5) track participants, as necessary.
– Facilitate regular project updates to study team and leadership.
– Assist in the documentation and reporting of scientific activities to American Cancer Society staff and stakeholders, the scientific community, and general public.
– The scientist hired will also maintain an independent scientific portfolio using data and other resources from the ongoing Cancer Prevention Studies.

Position Requirements
FORMAL KNOWLEDGE
Applicants must have a doctoral degree and post-doctoral training (or relevant experience) in epidemiology. They should have a consistent track record of publication and experience in cancer epidemiology or health equity research. The successful candidate will have experience or a strong interest in study design, including protocol development, survey design, and biospecimen collection. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the scientific leadership of the new cohort and ultimately establish an innovative, independent research portfolio that aligns with the Society’s mission and Population Science research priorities.

SKILLS
– Highly motivated with strong attention to detail and organization skills.
– Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and oral/written communication skills.
– Strong problem-solving skills and ability to produce high quality work independently.
– Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
– Proven leadership
– Adept at obtaining, manipulating, and processing electronic data.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE
Doctoral degree in epidemiology required.

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Office desk work with extensive time spent typing, using a mouse, and viewing screens.

**Final title of position is subject to candidate’s qualifications**

***NOTE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to submit their application as soon as possible. The closing date listed above is for job posting purposes only.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Position Type: Full-time

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

To view the full position description and apply, please visit: https://jobs.cancer.org/job/atlanta/principal-scientist-cancer-disparity-research/79/44296866848