Research Fellow, Comprehensive Cancer Center

Overview

Research Fellow: The Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Comorbidities

Details of Position

HIV infection increases the risk of developing cancer. AIDS defining malignancies (for example, Kaposi Sarcoma, and HPV associated cervical, head and neck, anal and penile) and non-AIDS defining malignancies (for example, colorectal, pancreatic and melanomas) are now routinely diagnosed among Persons with HIV (PWH). Cancer is a leading cause of death in this population, because of weakened immune system, making cancer prevention/diagnosis and treatment more challenging. The dual burden of HIV and cancer diagnosis intersects in many ways, including experiences of other physical and mental comorbidities, disease-related stigma and mortality. Social stigma associated with these conditions, in particular impact PWH differently and contributes to poor adherence and retention in care and worsen long term health outcomes. 

The program on The Intersection of HIV, Cancer and Comorbidities was created to explore and understand the burden of the dual diagnosis of HIV and Cancer and the comorbidities associated with them. The program will enroll a cohort of individuals diagnosed with HIV and Cancer in the United States and/or in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This cohort will be used to obtain, analyze and disseminate mixed-methods retrospective and prospective data that would be used to identify, develop and implement interventions to improve social and clinical outcomes and quality of life for PWH across the lifespan.

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the research fellow will be responsible for activities that support the program of research on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and comorbidities focusing on interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches. The program will recruit suitably qualified candidates for an initial 1-year fellowship, renewable for another year contingent on availability of funding. The research fellow will undertake the day-to-day functions listed below and other activities assigned by the Program Director.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and assists with preparation, writing and submission of extramural grant applications
• Lead and assist with data generation and analyses 
• Lead and/or participate in manuscript preparation and publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Responsible for developing pilot project and extramurally funded grant proposals
• Present research at professional meetings
• Participate in multidisciplinary and cross disciplinary research teams
• Contribute to intervention design
• Attend relevant seminars, meetings, national conferences and other cancer related events as requested 
• Participate in educational, career development and training activities
• Work collaboratively with other fellows, trainees, faculty and clinical staff of AHWFBCCC
• Perform other duties assigned by Program Director or his/her designee

Qualifications

• PhD/MD, PhD or MD (Specialization in Medicine, Social Sciences, Population Health or Implementation Science preferred)
• Career interest and experience in the intersection of HIV/AIDS Malignancies, Cancer and Comorbidities and the structural and contextual determinants 
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in initiating and implementing research
• Demonstrated skills in mixed methods research and systematic reviews
• Ability to curate and utilize retrospective and prospective data set from longitudinal cohorts
• Excellent written and oral skills
• Record of peer reviewed publication preferred

Supervision Received

Direction and guidance will be provided by Program Director. This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.