[Hiring] Postdoctoral Research Scholar @SDSU Research Foundation

Role Description

A research position is available as part of a California Department of Insurance-funded initiative to evaluate the effects of Medi-Cal expansions regardless of immigration status. This project aims to generate evidence on how these policy changes influence health insurance coverage, healthcare utilization, program financing, and employment patterns across the state. The researcher will receive strong training in health policy analysis, public insurance program evaluation, and quantitative methods using large administrative datasets. The project is designed to produce high-impact publications and inform future policy decisions at the state level. For this position, the candidate will work under the direct supervision of project principal investigator (PI) Dr. Wilton Choi; and will join a growing research team at the School of Public Health. Candidates with strong motivation and a background in public health, health economics, policy analysis, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Experience with econometric/quasi-experimental approaches for causal effect estimation, microsimulation, data analysis, program evaluation, or California health systems is especially valuable.

Responsibilities

• Conducting Research (60%)
  • Design and implement quantitative analyses to assess the impact of Medi-Cal expansions on coverage, utilization, financing, and employment.
  • Clean, manage, and analyze large administrative and survey datasets (e.g., CHIS, ACS, Medi-Cal claims).
  • Develop microsimulation models or other policy evaluation tools to estimate effects of coverage changes.
  • Collaborate with faculty and policy partners to refine research questions and methodologies.
  • Ensure compliance with data security protocols and IRB requirements.
• Publishing Research Findings (25%)
  • Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals in health economics, public health, and policy.
  • Present findings at academic conferences, policy briefings, and stakeholder meetings.
  • Contribute to policy reports and white papers aimed at informing California health policy.
  • Translate complex research results into accessible formats for non-academic audiences.
• Professional Development (10%)
  • Participate in seminars, workshops, and training sessions focused on health policy analysis and advanced econometric methods.
  • Engage with interdisciplinary teams across SDSU and external institutions.
  • Receive mentorship in grant writing, academic publishing, and career planning.
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge in a specific research area.
• Proficiency in quantitative, quasi-experimental, or computational techniques.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting data (e.g., using SAS, STATA, MATLAB, R, Python).
• Ability to write papers and reports for peer-reviewed journals.
• Understanding of ethical guidelines in research.
• Capable of planning and executing complex projects.
• Effective in team-based, interdisciplinary work.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creative and analytical thinking for research challenges.
• Flexibility in adjusting research direction as needed.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Health Economics, Health Services Research, Health Policy or equivalent in an appropriate field.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing quasi-experiments in the relevant field.
• A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in computational tools, or methodologies that are key to the research project.
• Experience with statistical methods, software, or programming languages (e.g., SAS, STATA, MATLAB, R, Python) is often highly valued.
• The ability to approach research questions from a critical perspective, developing innovative solutions and troubleshooting problems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative in planning and conducting research.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams or working in group settings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for writing research papers, presenting findings at conferences, and collaborating with colleagues.
• Ability to mentor or supervise graduate students or junior researchers may also be preferred in some cases.
• Experience presenting research findings at national or international conferences.
• Demonstrates eagerness to learn new techniques, tools, or concepts.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).