Position Overview
The Project Director will manage the development, coordination, and implementation of key components of a
NIH funded study “Ethics of Inclusion: Diversity in Precision Medicine Research” under the supervision of
principal investigators, Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Ph.D, Chief of the Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical
Humanities and Ethics at Columbia and Janet Shim, Ph.D, Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral
Sciences at UCSF.
The study aims are:
1) identify scientific and sociopolitical justifications for goals of inclusion and conceptual definitions of diversity in precision medicine research
(2) determine how scientific, social and technical factors influence the operationalization of diversity and implementation of inclusion in precision medicine research
(3) engage stakeholders to create data-informed guidance that describes the strengths and weaknesses of diversity and inclusion decisions and practices in precision medicine research.
Position Description
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute substantively to the intellectual work of the
study, participating fully in study design, data collection and analysis, and research publications. Experience
with ethnographic observation, interviews, and/or stakeholder engagement approaches is required. In
addition, the Project Director will oversee the administration of the project, including data management and
compliance with research regulations (such as human subjects protection); and supervision of research
support staff. This is a full-time position, with an initial appointment for one year (75% time commitment could
be considered). With successful performance and grant funding, the position is renewable annually.
Qualifications
• Ability to manage a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary study involving six national research sites
• Familiarity with basic genetic concepts, population based clinical research and/or precision medicine.
• Experience with qualitative research methods required; empirical bioethics research preferred.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, while working independently.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including one-on-one interactions as well as in
groups.
• Experience with NIH grant funded research preferred.
• Masters degree required, but PhD preferred, in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, etc.)
bioethics, law, or public health.
Application Deadline:
March 15, 2019
Start Date:
TBD as negotiated with the successful candidate.
Application Materials
Please submit your CV, letter of interest, one writing sample, and contact information for three references to:
Monica Prabudoss
Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics
Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
Columbia University
Email: mp3704@cumc.columbia.edu
Full Job Description: Columbia Project Director Position 2019