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Assistant/Associate/Full Research Economist Position

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Position description

The University of California, Los Angeles Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA ISAP) is one of the world’s leading Substance Use Disorders (SUD) research, training, and technical assistance organizations. It is part of the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA, the top-ranked public University in the nation (U.S. News and World Report, 2019). UCLA ISAP works with an array of funders and stakeholders to improve SUD treatment and related policymaking. UCLA ISAP experts are regularly sought out by policymakers and the news media for information and recommendations.
We are seeking an economic researcher who will work on multiple projects aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic and improving substance use disorder treatment in California and beyond. The successful candidate will work as part of a team while taking a leading role in conducting economic analyses. The researcher will have the opportunity to collaborate with multiple Principal Investigators (PIs) as well as receive support and guidance from a leading health economist in the field of substance use disorders. Responsibilities will include analyzing large datasets, managing projects, interacting with stakeholders, making presentations, writing articles and reports, and developing funding proposals.

Researchers at UCLA ISAP benefit from a vibrant team-oriented environment, and the candidate will be expected to form collaborative relationships. At the same time, personal development is encouraged, and eventual independent leadership of projects is a long-term goal for this position.

The position requires a Ph.D. in economics or a closely related field, with experience in health-related research or evaluation work, and experience conducting economic evaluations, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. Position may be at the Assistant, Associate, or Full level depending on experience. Experience analyzing data from Electronic Health Records, Medicaid data, or data from other government systems (e.g. criminal justice) is preferred. Must have a deep interest in public policy and substance use disorders.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and consistent with the UCLA Professional Research Series. Interested candidates should forward a cover letter outlining academic interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information of two references to the application portal at: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/apply/. For further information, please contact Darren Urada, Ph.D. (durada@mednet.ucla.edu).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document.

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

Job location

Los Angeles, CA