Research Scientist

Children's Medical Center is private, not-for-profit, and is one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the nation. As the only academic healthcare facility in North Texas dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18, Children's provides patient care ranging from simple eye exams to specialized treatment in areas such as heart disease, hematology-oncology and cystic fibrosis. In addition, Children's is a major pediatric kidney, liver, intestine, heart and bone marrow transplant center. As the primary pediatric teaching facility for The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, the medical staff at Children's conducts research that is instrumental in developing treatments, therapies, and greater understanding of pediatric diseases.

Children's is licensed for 411 beds and has more than 50 subspecialty programs. The hospital is the only designated Level I trauma center for pediatrics in the Southwest. To better serve the region's growing pediatric population, the 72-bed Children’s Medical Center Legacy will open in a phased approach, beginning with outpatient specialty care, radiology and lab services in the spring of 2008 in Plano, Texas.

Children's enjoys a stellar reputation as one of the finest pediatric facilities in the United States. Children's is accredited by the Joint Commission, and both U.S.News & World Report and Child magazine have named Children's as one of the nation's top pediatric providers. In 2006, the Dallas Business Journal recognized Children's as a 'Best Place to Work.' Children's makes life better for the patients it sees during more than 340,000 visits each year.

We have an immediate opening for a Research Scientist which will support the Trauma and Injury Prevention Program by developing and implementing research strategies with the goal of injury prevention. This position focuses on social and psychological mechanisms that contribute to child injury. The incumbent is responsible for contributing to a nationally recognized program of injury prevention research, disseminating research results in scientific publications and at professional meetings, assisting with the development of research funding opportunities and serving as a spokesperson for the Trauma and Injury Prevention Program and its research projects. 

This position requires a  Ph.D. in Psychology, Public Health, or related field plus one to two years work experience in basic or applied social science; will also consider significant research experience during graduate degree program.  Strong potential to successfully conduct independent social science research, as evidenced by co-authorship on scientific publications and/or conference presentations. Requires excellent analytical and communication skills as well as demonstrated leadership skills.   Knowledge of Children’s, UTSW and federal policies and regulations regarding the protection of human subjects in research, or the ability to quickly learn and observe them.Must have knowledge of and ability to utilize a personal computer and software applicable to research (e.g., Word, EXCEL).  Requires advanced knowledge of research methodology, and experience designing both correlational and experimental research.  Must possess advanced statistical skills, including analysis of data from both experimental and correlational designs. Experience with SPSS.Requires exceptional scientific writing skills as well as effective organizational skills.  Requires strong attention to detail, effective follow-through and commitment to excellence.  Must have effective professional communication skills and the ability to communicate with others in a clear, understandable, and professional manner.  Must be able to maintain compliance with standards for clinical personnel established by Children’s.