UH Postdoc: Youth homelessness

Graduate College of Social Work

University of Houston

Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Youth Homelessness

Applications are being sought for a post-doctoral fellowship that can begin September 1, 2012 at the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW), University of Houston. The goal of these fellowships is to provide advanced training in the research skills for the next generation of scientists in social work and allied disciplines.

Graduate College of Social Work and the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie Foundation recognized High Intensive Research University, more commonly referred to as a Tier One research university and is one of only four such designated universities in Texas. As the only graduate social work in the 4th largest city in the United States, the GCSW offers a stimulating and supporting research environment. The average GCSW enrollment is approximately 350 MSW and 40 PhD students. The GCSW’s research agenda mirrors and supports the University infrastructure through the College’s two vital research centers, the Center for Drug and Social Policy Research and the Child and Family Center for Innovative Research. The members of these centers are drawn from the GCSW faculty as well as faculty from other colleges at the University of Houston and other universities. Center grants come from a variety of public and private sources, such as the National Institutes of Health, the State of Texas, and foundations. Current research includes multi-disciplinary, community-based and clinical research studies on health and social problems among vulnerable populations. Areas of focus include substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, health disparities and political social work.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have earned a doctorate within the past five years in social work, sociology, psychology, public-health, nursing or a related field. The successful candidate must demonstrate an enthusiasm for and commitment to pursuing a scientific career in health and social policy research. Applicants must have a publication record and demonstrate experience related to externally funded research.

Desirable Characteristics

An interest in theory and methods designed for health and social policy research development is desirable with a specific focus on homeless youth and homelessness. This interest includes a familiarity with multi-disciplinary approaches that include biological, psychological and sociological factors. An understanding of intervention science is also desirable.

Expected Outcomes

This is a joint position between the GCSW and the Homeless Youth Network of Houston / Harris County (HYN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2007. The mission of HYN is to ensure, enhance and expand a continuum of age appropriate programs of homelessness prevention, housing and support services that encourage health promotion and assist homeless, runaway, and street involved youth and young adults to leave the streets and to achieve independent living.

The GCSW-HYN Post-Doctoral candidate will develop the following:

Activities

1. Conduct quantitative research that results in reports and documentation that informs public policy makers and potential funding sources on avenues to successfully address homeless youth and their potential needs.

2. Develop funding sources to continue the funding of the HYN

3. Identify key policy makers to champion local and state-wide legislation for homeless youth.

4. Develop research methods and protocols to accurately reflect homeless youth providers. This, among other areas, includes engagement with current providers of services to homeless youth to assess current data collection methods.

5. Work with Houston Coalition for the Homeless on methods for accurately counting youth during annual Point-in-Time count.

Training Opportunities

The GCSW provides a range of opportunities for training in behavioral health, health and social policy research. The College, through its Research Centers, and the University’s Office of Sponsored Research offers a variety of training opportunities for researchers. Post-doctoral fellows will receive intensive training in NIH grant writing skills working closely with faculty in the preparation of new grant proposals.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Applications will be immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit a letter of interest, CV, names and addresses of three professional references, a statement of research interests and two samples of published articles or chapters to https://jobs.uh.edu and reference posting 000161.

The University of Houston is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.