The Department of Public Health Sciences and the Henry Ford Cancer Institute (HFCI) are expanding and seek assistant or associate-level doctoral research scientists to work among a team of clinical and population head and neck cancer researchers in collaboration with the Department of Otolaryngology. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue their independent research goals with a team of physician and public health scientists (cancer epidemiologists, biostatisticians, health services and patient-centered outcomes researchers) as well as collaborate as a co-investigator with established population researchers and clinicians providing evidence-based care.  The candidate will develop his or her research program through a team-based approach working on multiple collaborative research proposals. Research experience in head and neck cancer is preferred. Additionally, experience with patient-reported outcomes is of great interest.

Researchers can utilize HFHS’s extensive resources including access to a large, stable, and diverse patient population; an advanced electronic health record, and a robust tissue biorepository.  Our researchers have a long history of working to reduce health disparities.  Researcher also have access to established and trained core staff (data collectors, programmers, study coordinators, analysts) to support their research.

EXPERTISE AND PRINCIPLE DUTIES
To qualify for this position, individuals must have a PhD or equivalent degree, evidence of scholarly activity (publication of papers in peer-reviewed journals), strong writing skills and potential to be an independent and externally-funded investigator. Post-doctoral research experience (min. 2 years) is preferred. Staff scientists are expected to obtain NIH funding, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, participate in academic activities, (i.e. NIH study sections, editorial boards), and in HFHS research activities.

HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM
Henry Ford Health System, one of the largest and most comprehensive integrated U.S. health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research, and education.  The System is staffed by a 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, which includes 90 full-time PhD scientists located at the main Detroit campus.  In addition to the main Detroit hospital, there are four suburban hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network, and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan, providing a full continuum of care.  The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan and employs more than 24,600 employees.  To learn more, visit HenryFord.com .

HENRY FORD CANCER INSTITUTE
The Henry Ford Cancer Institute (HFCI) is one of the largest cancer centers in Michigan.  In 2018, HFCI had more than 255,000 outpatient visits.  Greater than 15 percent of all people in southeast Michigan diagnosed with cancer are treated at Henry Ford Health System. Also in 2018, more than 9,500 newly diagnosed cancer patients visited HFCI for treatment.  The six-story, 187,000 sq. ft. Brigette Harris Cancer Pavilion opened in 2021, bringing HFCI services together in one patient-centered facility on the Henry Ford Hospital campus.  It will also serve as the hub for our five hospital locations, 11 outpatient centers and dozens of aligned doctors’ offices across Henry Ford’s cancer enterprise.

HFCI has a multidisciplinary research program including basic and population scientists and clinician researchers committed to studying the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.  Researchers in HFCI also have a strong focus on research that will address and eliminate observed racial disparities in cancer incidence, treatment and outcome.

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute is known for strengths such as:

·        Patient treatment:  

The goal of our HFHS research is to apply findings directly to patient care as soon as possible. Our close professional relationships and many collaborations between doctors and scientific researchers make translation into clinical practice possible.

·        Patient-centered outcomes:  

Our head and neck cancer team is piloting a program that engages patients and caregivers in a patient advisory council. This group has real input into how we treat head and neck cancer. Find out more about our patient-centered head and neck cancer research.

·        Patient data and specimens:  

The System has used an electronic medical record system since 1988.  Therefore, we have an exceptionally strong collection of patient data and specimens. These data and biorepositories provide us with perspective on how best to improve cancer treatment. Learn more about our cancer research cores and shared resources.

·       The Henry Ford Head and Neck Cancer Program focuses on delivering highly integrated and coordinated care with a team of multidisciplinary providers.  Research growth within this team is critical to developing best practices, patient experience standards, treatment and rehabilitation options, and innovative solutions focused on the individual needs of each of our patients.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES
The Public Health Sciences Department at Henry Ford Health System conducts and promotes population and clinical research studies to advance biomedical knowledge that will result in disease prevention, early identification and overall improved health status. In particular, the Department specializes in applied and theoretical statistics and epidemiology, with special emphasis on cancer, genetics, respiratory, and neurological diseases. Notable past and current studies conducted at HFHS include the NCI funded PLCO and NLST cancer screening trials, the All of Us and NCI Cohort studies, and the CHeCS study of hepatitis and cancer.

DIVERSE PATIENT POPULATION
HFHS is located in Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area.  Our patient population is quite heterogeneous.  Specifically, African-American patients -- a population that has been underrepresented in scientific research -- make up 20-30% of all patients served by HFHS.  HFHS is well positioned to conduct important cancer research in African-American populations.

BENEFITS
Whether it's offering a new medical option, helping people make healthier lifestyle choices or making the employee enrollment selection experience easier, it's all about choice.  Henry Ford Health System has a new approach for its employee benefits program - My Choice Rewards.  My Choice Rewards is a program as diverse as the people it serves.  There are dozens of options for all of our employees including compensation, benefits, work/life balance and learning - options that enhance your career and add value to your personal life.  As an employee, you are provided access to Retirement Programs, an Employee Assistance Program (Henry Ford Enhanced), Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Time Off, Employee Health and Wellness, and access to Day Care Services at Bright Horizons Midtown Detroit, and a whole host of other benefits and services.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Henry Ford Health System is committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, size, height, weight, marital status, family status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.