The Global Health Economics for Pharmacy (GHEP) team in the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Experience (PACE) at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is seeking a Research Scientist to work on a health economics projects that entail model simulations. The Research Scientist will contribute to the building of new evidence on HPV vaccine communications, the economic impact of substandard and falsified medicines or the threat of online pharmacies with a focus on developing models and simulations. The work will make an economic case for investments in improving the quality of medications worldwide and increasing uptake of vaccinations to prevent illnesses and deaths. The modeling work may entail searching the literature for inputs and assumptions as well as coding in Python, NetLogo, R, SAS, or Stata. Interests and skills in model development as well as coding, statistical analysis or data visualization skills are highly valued.

One of the main projects will involve developing HPV microsimulation models that overlay interventions onto simulated populations reflecting patterns of baseline HPV vaccination, HPV transmission, and progression to HPV cancer to project the anticipated budget impact, cost-effectiveness, and population health outcomes of HPV vaccination interventions in rural and nonrural settings in the US. The project also aims to aid stakeholder implementation planning by developing a web-based interactive decision support tool illustrating the value of HPV vaccination interventions in rural and nonrural clinical settings.

The preferred candidate will bring the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to the position: interest in engaging in model development on a public health topic applied to developed and developing countries. Previous experience with coding, statistical analysis, or cost-effective analysis is strongly preferred. Must have interest in and understanding of economic research and/or health-related research. Strong interest in access to and use of medicines or vaccines a plus. Demonstrated interest and skills in researching and analyzing economic and/or health-related issues, including an ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information; Excellent written and oral communications skills. Demonstrated ability to produce thorough, clear, compelling, analytical narratives accessible to a range of audiences; Ability to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships both internally and externally with global health partners. Brings demonstrated interest or experience working in global health; Ability to juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time efficiently, and remain attentive to details. Ability to work independently with little supervision. Ability to respond quickly to requests.

Position will offer opportunities to become authors on peer-reviewed publications based upon their contributions and may involve travel to academic conferences. The position offers an opportunity to impact global health policies in areas of medication quality and vaccination. Further information on our work is available at: https://pharmacy.unc.edu/global-health-economics-pharmacy/

Research experience in public health.