Postdoctoral Research Fellow

General Summary

The Inference Lab in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher interested in using big data and quasi-experimental methodologies to address pressing clinical issues related to obstetrics and gynecology. In particular, the Inference Lab seeks to leverage existing data sources and natural experiments to generate answers to clinical questions that are not amenable or feasible to be answered via traditional epidemiologic study designs or clinical trials. The Inference Lab is run by PIs Alexander Melamed, MD MPH (GYN Oncologist) and Mark Clapp, MD MPH (Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist), both of whom are health services researchers. Examples of our ongoing work can be found at inferencelab.org. In particular, the postdoctoral researcher will work extensively on an NIH-funded project related to antenatal steroid administration. They will have the opportunity to lead projects under the PI's research portfolio and have the opportunity to write and publish first-author manuscripts with the research team. Other team members include an epidemiologist, data scientist, and affiliated faculty with subject-matter expertise. The work can be conducted via a hybrid format; the opportunity for a fully remote position will be considered for exceptionally qualified individuals. Ideally, a one- or two-year commitment to the position will be expected.

Job Description

The Inference Lab is based in the Massachusetts General Hospital Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and seeks to improve health care delivery in obstetrics and gynecology. We focus on actionable research that can improve outcomes, increase value, and address inequity in pregnancy care, family planning, fertility, benign disorders of the female reproductive tract, and gynecologic cancers. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a background in epidemiology, economics, health policy, or biostatistics to join our lab and oversee a portfolio of projects that are related to the advancement of clinical care and health outcomes related to obstetrics and gynecology. The applicant should have experience in working with large data sets, such as EHR and/or claims data, and demonstrate the ability to lead a project from idea conception through publication, including presenting and authoring manuscripts. Applicants with experience in conducting quasi-experimental studies are strongly encouraged to apply. The start date of this position is flexible, though the Inference Lab is primarily seeking applicants who are interested in starting a postdoctoral position in the summer or fall of 2025; applicants seeking to start before the summer of 2025 are still encouraged to apply.

All applicants should indicate their preferred start date in their cover letter and confirm their ability to work via a hybrid format (a combination of in-person and virtual workdays). Applicants who are only available to work virtually should describe why this accommodation is requested in the cover letter.

The position requires:

• Experience in conducting research using large data sets, such as electronic health record data, hospital discharge data, and/or claims databases.
• Experience in the use of traditional epidemiologic and/or quasi-experimental study designs
• Advanced knowledge of statistical programming software (Stata or R preferred)
• Ability to lead and work effectively in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in the review and summarization of relevant literature for manuscript background and grant preparation. Prior experience in preparing and/or presenting of study findings is preferred.
• Demonstration and experience in authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts in the English language

There are many opportunities for education and growth in our multidisciplinary, collaborative research program that brings together a diverse group of obstetrician-gynecologists, health services researchers, and trainees. The Inference Lab commonly collaborates with researchers and students at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Requirements

Applicant should have a PhD in biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, or economics. Applicants with other PhD degrees who otherwise believe they are qualified should provide justification for why they are qualified in their cover letter.

Please email a CV and cover letter of interest to Ms. Bridget O'Connor, Research Program Manager for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at boconnor7@mgh.harvard.edu , indicating that you are applying for the postdoctoral position in the Inference Lab. Contact information for three professional references (names, address, phone and e-mail) will also be requested during the interview process.