The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with interests in Drinking-and-Driving and/or Other Risky Health Behaviors; Traffic Safety Research; Measurement of Risky Health Behaviors using Secondary Data and Statistical Methods; and/or Health Economics more broadly. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers to implement a novel method of measuring drinking-and-driving using existing secondary data sources and statistical methods. They will be expected to conduct empirical analyses in Python and/or R, use impeccable data management procedures that can be easily replicable, contribute to research strategy and results reporting, contribute to manuscript composition, and develop additional research questions that extend the current project. The candidate will also have the opportunity to join other research projects on policy and health economics, as time and interests permit.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Lauren Jones at the Ohio State University, and Dr. Anton Babkin at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with others on the research team, with an anticipated start date as soon as possible, in a full-time appointment. Responsibilities will include contributing to the cleaning and management of three large datasets (the Fatality Analysis and Reporting System (FARS); the Crash Reporting Sampling System (CRSS); and the National Roadside Survey (NRS)); implementing econometric modeling techniques using R and/or Python to produce estimates of the relative risk of drinking-and-driving, according to a pre-determined research strategy provided by Drs. Jones and Babkin; communicating research progress, difficulties and results clearly and in a timely manner to the research team both verbally (team meetings) and in writing (email, research log); using Git to manage and collaborate on research code and documentation; working in a self-directed and solutions-oriented manner that allows for advancement of the project goals; developing questions for future research advancement.
The Postdoctoral researcher will be expected to co-author multiple publications in field and interdisciplinary journals. They will also be encouraged to participate in professional conferences and to seek other professional development opportunities, including external funding support.
Additional Information - This appointment is for one year, with potential for renewal based on funding and performance. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible, ideally between Oct 1, 2023, and Jan 15, 2024. An attractive fringe benefit package is included, and location of work may be flexible based on data access requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in economics, agricultural economics, public policy, geography, sociology, data science, or a closely related field prior to appointment start date. Potential hires must also have superior proficiency in data analysis or modeling using Python, R, or MATLAB; and strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Preferred qualifications include proficiency in econometric modeling; experience working in a distributed version control system such as Git; demonstrated use of impeccable data and workflow management strategies; experience working with the FARS, CRSS, NRS data, or other large datasets; a record of peer-reviewed publications or advanced working papers related to the position description.
TO APPLY - Submit all application materials through OSU's hiring site. Review of applications will begin on September 24 and continue until the position is filled. Please submit the following materials:
- a curriculum vita;
- a cover letter;
- graduate transcripts;
- sample of publications or relevant working papers;
- sample Python/R/MATLAB code;
- commitment to diversity statement which should identify how you anticipate this research agenda could broaden participation in economic research among historically disadvantaged populations.
Letters of recommendation will be requested directly from candidates who meet the basic position requirements.
Direct inquiries to Dr. Lauren Jones (jones.2846@osu.edu) with subject line: Post-Doctoral Researcher Search.