Penn looking for Post Doc in Autism Services Research

There is a great need for more and better research into services for autistics.   At the same time, there aren’t that many groups looking at services.

That’s why I was pleased to get the following job announcement in my email today. I’m glad to see more research and more people being brought into the field.  The announcement is for a post-doc position at U. Pennsylvania on “Interstate Variation in Healthcare Utilization among Children with ASD”.

This job is to work with David Mandell’s group, with the contact being Lindsay Lawer.  Name sound familiar?  She was first author on the paper Vocational Rehabilitation and Autistic Adults, which I blogged.

I don’t know if anyone will find the job from this blog. But, then again, I want as many good people as possible pulled into researching questions important to the autism community. So, here is the job posting:

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Training Fellowship in Autism Services Research

The Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research (CMHPSR) invites applications for one- and two-year post-doctoral fellowships in children’s health services research, with a specific focus on the organization, financing and delivery of care to children with autism spectrum disorders. The fellowship is funded through a research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health entitled, “Interstate Variation in Healthcare Utilization among Children with ASD (5R01MH077000).” This study combines national Medicaid claims data, information on local healthcare and education resources, and state-level policy data to examine associations between policies and healthcare delivery to children with autism.

Fellows will receive training in health policy and services research methods and in the clinical presentation and care of children with autism. Training activities include intensive mentorship from a multi-disciplinary team of faculty, participation in didactic courses and lecture series, clinical observations, and guided research activities.

We seek applications from persons with a PhD or equivalent in psychology, sociology, public health, economics, social welfare, or other related fields. Preference will be given to applicants with strong statistical skills and those with previous experience analyzing administrative data. Knowledge of children with autism or other psychiatric/developmental disabilities is preferred but certainly not required.

Applications will be accepted throughout the year. Recent graduates and those seeking to enhance their skills in new areas are welcome to apply. Applications should include: 1) Cover letter and CV; 2) List of degrees, dates of conferral, focus of study & institutions; and 3) Current and permanent contact information (address, phone number, e-mail). Please e-mail complete applications to Lindsay Lawer at llawer@mail.med.upenn.edu.

For further information, please view our web sites at http://www.med.upenn.edu/cmhpsr and http://stokes.chop.edu/programs/car/.

(note: edited to correct who the principle investigator is on this project)