Nemours Children's Health - Delaware

Swank Autism Center

Wilmington, DE

The Swank Autism Center at Nemours Children's Health is seeking a Research Scientist (open rank) to join our team. The Swank Autism Center provides comprehensive clinical services for children up to age 21 years and conducts research and community-based outreach and training. We are seeking applicants with demonstrable training and experience working in clinical and/or research settings with autistic/neurodivergent children, adolescents, and/or young adults, and their families. The Research Scientist will develop a targeted research program in autism. Current research studies or immediate potential opportunities are available in examining inequities and disparities in healthcare delivery, progressive assessment models, hospital-wide autism initiatives, adolescence/postsecondary transition, and other areas. The Research Scientist will also provide some clinical services as a part of this role, which might include autism diagnostic services, individual/group therapy, and supervising trainees in working with patients and families from the larger Delaware Valley community.

This position will have joint appointments in the Swank Autism Center and the Center for Healthcare Delivery Science - Delaware Valley (www.nemours.org/chds). The CHDS is a research center across the Nemours enterprise. Anne E. Kazak, Ph.D., ABPP is the enterprise director, Melissa A. Alderfer, PhD is the Center Director in Delaware and Susana Patton, PhD is the Center Director in Florida. The CHDS includes 20+ investigators that study ways to improve health care, health equity, and health and wellness beyond medicine for youth and their families. Research projects span a variety of medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, cardiac conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, pain) and other health-related challenges (COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, homelessness, maternal post-partum depression, racism).

The research scientist will join a multidisciplinary team including providers in psychology, developmental medicine, psychiatry, neurology, social work, nursing, and applied behavior analysis, as well as colleagues who are autistic and/or caregivers. The Swank Autism Center has a dedicated Clinical Research Coordinator and CHDS has additional research coordination and data analysis resources.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our growth and strategy. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about, and committed to, leading efforts to provide culturally relevant, neuro-affirming care, promoting anti-ableist mental health care, reducing health disparities, and helping build a diverse and inclusive team environment. Autistic/neurodivergent applicants are welcomed.

The Research Scientist would have opportunities to precept trainees including externs, residents, and/or fellows who rotate through the center. Teaching, training, and mentoring are core values in our division and these efforts are supported and encouraged. We are committed to expanding pathways that promote a diverse workforce and as such, are intentional in our hiring and retention practices. We practice continuous learning through awareness-enhancing and bias-reduction educational opportunities that guide our overarching lens of health equity. Faculty are encouraged to participate in the Division of Behavioral Health's active and energetic Diversity Committee.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Candidates must hold a PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or other doctoral degree in a health-related discipline and demonstrate evidence of collaborative academic productivity and either success in obtaining funding for research or a strong potential to obtain funding for research.

APPLICATION: Please send a letter of interest and CV to WLMBH-DMRecruitment@Nemours.org and please state "Autism Research Scientist" in the subject line. Applications currently are being reviewed and will be accepted until the position is filled.

About Nemours:

As one of the nation's leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics, primary care practices, and school-based health centers in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children - even those who may never enter our doors - through our world-changing research, education, and advocacy efforts. At Nemours, our Associates help us deliver on the promise we make to every family we have the privilege of serving: to treat their child as if they were our own. Psychologists are members of the medical staff at Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and are supported with applying for an academic appointment through the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

Nemours (Nemours.org) is an open and welcoming place to work, and values diversity in all its forms. Additionally, Nemours aspires to have its workforce and providers reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of diverse backgrounds, Spanish-speaking applicants, and those committed to working with diverse populations and conversant in multicultural values are strongly encouraged to apply. Associates are encouraged to join Associate Resource Groups as members or allies to support colleagues of diverse identities and lived experiences.