Senior Research Scientist

What We're Looking For:
The Department of Economics at Baylor University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Senior Research Scientist in our analytics lab.  This individual should have a PhD in Health Services Research or Health Economics, and coding skills in R, Stata, Python, and SQL. The ideal candidate should have experience with machine learning, data science principles, causal inference, and a strong interest in corrections, mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy. They will also have experience designing dashboards with strong user interfaces.  
 

A Doctoral Degree, one to five year of work experience, and an active Christian faith are required. Seven years of relevant work experience are preferred. A combination of education and experience will not be considered in lieu of one another. 

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on full-time basis.
 

Responsibilities:

• The Research Scientist will be responsible for managing research projects, supervising research staff, and conducting research related to mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy. The successful candidate will also play a key role in helping to establish a new research lab and build its research portfolio.
• Help to establish a new research lab, including developing research priorities, building partnerships, and securing funding.
• Manage research projects related to mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy, including designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and writing research reports.
• Supervise research staff, including assigning tasks, providing training, and reviewing work.
• Conduct independent research on corrections, mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy topics, including using machine learning and causal inference methods.
• Collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders in the field of corrections, mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including funding agencies, community organizations, and other research institutions.
• Write grant proposals and demonstrate promise of ability to acquire external funding for research projects.
• Present research findings at conferences and other academic venues.
• Publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
   

Qualifications:

• PhD in Health Services Research, Health Economics, or related field.
• Coding skills in R, Stata, Python, and SQL.
• Experience with machine learning and causal inference methods.
• Strong knowledge of data science principles related to the collection, cleaning and organizing of large unstructured and structured administrative datasets.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Experience managing research projects and supervising research staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interest in corrections, mental health, suicide prevention, and health policy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
   

The Research Scientist will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of researchers, graduate students, and community partners, and to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and programs that improve the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Upon successful establishment of the new research lab, the Research Scientist will take on the role of Managing Director, with additional responsibilities including overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lab, managing the budget, and developing and implementing strategic plans.

The Department of Economics at Baylor University provides opportunities for collaboration with other economists and access to departmental resources.
 

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, personal statement responding to Baylor's faith-based mission, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be open for 14 days.  
 

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Illuminate.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!