Working title:

Researcher - Center for Health Enhancement System Studies

Official title:

ASSOC RESEARCHER(E05FN) or ASST RESEARCHER(E05LN)

Degree and area of specialization:

Masters or PhD degree in Industrial/Health Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Computer Science, with emphasis in research-related activities.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:

A minimum of 3 years of related experience with demonstrated proficiency in research and/or project management. Work experience in and knowledge of development of Internet based learning systems and application of innovative interactive technology. Experience in data analysis, presentation of findings orally and writing. Excellent organization and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to initiate and complete projects with minimal supervision in order to work effectively with multiple constituents is essential along with the capacity to work independently in a creative and busy team-oriented environment. A commitment to meet the needs of our customers is expected.

Principal duties:

This position works within the Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies. The Center is a growing and dynamic, mission-driven organization directed by Dr. David Gustafson with over 70 team members focused on improving health and quality of life through organizational and individual change projects and research.

The Center consists of two primary initiatives.

- CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System) is focused on helping individuals with chronic or life threatening illnesses (and their families) improve their quality of life through web-based support or other kinds of technology.
- NIATx (Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment) is dedicated to improving the quality of addiction and mental health services

Since 1989 CHESS has been providing computer-based resources to patients and families dealing with a variety of health issues from cancer to heart disease to pediatric asthma. Previous research has demonstrated that patients have benefited in increased quality of life and confidence in communicating with their doctors. Currently CHESS is being used in research projects as one of four Centers of Excellence in Cancer Communication, as well as in pediatric asthma management, caregivers of advanced stage cancer, prostate cancer, and pediatric bone marrow transplant.

Founded in 2003, NIATx works with addiction treatment and behavioral health care organizations as well as county and state governments across the country to improve access to and retention in treatment for the millions of Americans seeking help with substance abuse or mental health issues. NIATx serves as the national program office for several grant-funded initiatives, which include Advancing Recovery, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Strengthening Treatment Access and Retention-State Initiative, funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and a clinical trial, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to test the effectiveness and cost of four combinations of collaborative services that NIATx offers. NIATx is also developing plans to spread its model for process improvement in behavioral health, establish a national resource center, and grow its membership program.
Please visit http://chess.chsra.wisc.edu/Chess/ and www.niatx.net to learn more.

This position is responsible for researching and advancing the development of new and existing technology to meet the research goals of the Center.

Effort Responsibilities

40% Research on the application of emerging interactive technology to improve health care delivery.

a. Work with our lead programmer and various faculty members, researching the appropriateness of new technologies for various applications for our target audiences.
b. Work with providers and experts to identify predominant deficiencies in the provision of health care that might benefit from our innovative approach to technology-based disease management.
c. Review and incorporate the findings of previous relevant research into the framing of new research opportunities.
d. Organize expert panels, distribute surveys, and conduct small-scale pilot tests to explore the potentials of emerging technologies that are currently outside the scope of our full-scale trials.

30% Coordinate development of new technology for Center research projects. Work with Center technical, design teams, and clinicians to develop technology and test prototypes.

a. Oversee the development and enhancement of the CHESS program from a website on a computer to other interactive technology such as smart phones.
b. Conduct customer needs assessments (intended users of the technology device) and integrate recommendations from these finding in website enhancement.
c. Conduct pilot tests of smartphone delivered website and use feedback to refine website development.
d. With limited supervision direct new content design and development of other tools for the user.
e. Based on evaluation and synthesis of research findings identify opportunities to add and improve smartphone content and tools.
f. Conduct or supervise analysis of usage of the technology device and its features (e.g., Web log, case studies, tools, etc).

25% Research dissemination activities

a. Assist Principal Investigator and Project Director in designing and creating reports for grantees, funders and other constituents based on data collected via NIATx websites
b. Plan and contribute to research and data analysis of research studies using new technology.
c. Co-author publications presenting research findings
d. Present research findings at meetings and at professional conferences

5% Miscellaneous

a. Contribute to the long range vision of the Center's role in improving the support and access to healthcare resources.
b. Assist in grant writing as needed.
c. Other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator and Center Deputy Director.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION

Application must be received by: AUGUST 14, 2008

HOW TO APPLY:

Unless another application procedure has been specified above, please send resume and cover letter referring to Position Vacancy Listing #59630 to