ABOUT US:
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington, home of three Nobel Laureates, is an independent, nonprofit research institution, dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical research to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Recognized internationally for its pioneering work in bone-marrow transplantation, the Center’s four scientific divisions collaborate to form a unique environment for conducting basic and applied science. The Hutchinson Center, in collaboration with its clinical and research partners, the University of Washington and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Pacific Northwest. Join us and make a difference.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) is part of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VIDI) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. HVTN is an international collaboration of scientists and educator, searching for an effective and safe HIV vaccine. The HVTN's mission is to facilitate the process of testing preventive vaccines against HIV/AIDS. Our organization conducts all phases of clinical trials, from evaluating experimental vaccines for safety and the ability to stimulate immune responses to testing vaccine efficacy.
JOB SUMMARY:
Provides scientific leadership to HIV Vaccine Trials Network’s Legacy Project and other social science and community relations and education programs, to ensure activities are designed to maximize participation of traditionally under-served populations. Primary spheres of activity are social and cultural research, regarding:
protocol operations, communications, community mobilization and policy development, to ensure scientifically sound and culturally appropriate activities; conducts research and develops research agenda to identify covariates, that account for racial disparities and interventions needed to reduce disparities in U.S. trials; and, manages research agenda, in cooperation with the Associate Director for Community Relations and Education and works closely with HVTN scientific leadership.
The Legacy Project Scientist (LPS) provides leadership, expert advice and guidance to the HVTN CORE and clinical trial unit investigators, in developing scientific research that improves the ability to serve special populations and reduce racial or ethnic disparities. The primary focus is to develop and conduct a research agenda that will help inform the recruitment and retention efforts in the HVTN of underrepresented populations.
Working with the Associate Director for Community Relations and Education and with the HVTN scientific leadership, the LPS leads and coordinates potential multi-site research efforts for U.S. sites in the HVTN and may apply for grants that further overall research agenda. This will also lead to identifying, addressing and resolving operational issues, to improve participation and eduction of special target groups. The LPS will also work with the HVTN scientific leadership on broader social science issues not necessarily focused on under-served populations.
The LPS works within a highly collaborative environment, but with minimal supervision and is expected to use initiative and sound judgment in carrying out responsibilities within the framework of the HVTN policies and procedures.
The LPS represents the HVTN at appropriate meetings, workshops, conferences and symposia and fosters internal and external communications and relationships, to increase service to target populations and foster the aims of the HVTN.
JOB DUTIES:
1. Provide leadership to the HVTN Legacy Project in development of scientific methodology for operations and program planning, as relates to serving special populations.
2. Works with HVTN investigators to conduct research that establishes best practices in the development of interventions and program policy.
3. Ensures all parties maximize prevention delivery methods based on biobehavioral and sociocultural dynamics in diverse populations, toward the goal of ensuring participation of traditionally underrepresented populations.
4. In conjunction with the Associate Director for Community Relations and Education, provides technical support to HVTN research units and Core staff on efforts, at all levels, of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network.
5. Works with Core leadership and Associate Director for Community Relations and Education in the planning, development and execution of all aspects of network programs, with a focus on the research agenda.
6. Serves as advisor on controversial, complex or unprecedented matters, in relation to research that includes special populations and participates in identification of resources that enhance HVTN's ability to conduct research.
7. Identifies programmatic opportunities for improving HVTN employment practices, to assure accomplishment of Affirmative Action objectives and non-discrimination practices, with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap and sexual orientation.
8. Attends meetings, workshops, conferences and symposia, as appropriate, to represent the network and help others stay abreast of developments relevant to serving target populations and fostering the aims of the HVTN.
9. Demonstrates working knowledge of a broad range of scientific, managerial and supervisory activities directed at HIV vaccine research and identifies opportunities for HVTN to increase mobilization of different audiences, to increase understanding of complex research agenda.
10. Travel required to accomplish goals of this position.
11. Perform other responsibilities, as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctoral level education in Behavioral or Social Sciences, Medicine or related fields and a minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting research on or developing and implementing prevention programs in HIV/AIDS, STDS or a related field of study. Additional experience in training and the development of communication programs and materials and/or community advocacy is desirable. Experience must reflect mature level of knowledge, skills and materials development.
Must demonstrate past organizational leadership, program management and consultancy for complex organization with a research agenda; and, must have participated in development of guidelines for scientific programs and dissemination of research results.
The ideal candidate should be highly organized; should have exceptional written and verbal communication skills; should have experience in managing multidisciplinary teams; should be able to handle challenging workloads and multiple concurrent projects; and, should be proficient with standard business productivity software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics and database applicants. Experience with database management software packages would be an asset.
Ability to relate to and coordinate with multidisciplinary and culturally diverse research, technical and management staff.
Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and gender differences.
TO APPLY:
For more information about the position and to apply, please visit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center website, at:
http://www.fhcrc.org
and search for Job# AD-22566 or, contact Alysha Duran, at:
aduran@fhcrc.org 
