Research Fellow: The Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Comorbidities
Details of Position
HIV infection increases the risk of developing cancer. AIDS defining malignancies (for example, Kaposi Sarcoma, and HPV associated cervical, head and neck, anal and penile) and non-AIDS defining malignancies (for example, colorectal, pancreatic and melanomas) are now routinely diagnosed among Persons with HIV (PWH). Cancer is a leading cause of death in this population, because of weakened immune system, making cancer prevention/diagnosis and treatment more challenging. The dual burden of HIV and cancer diagnosis intersects in many ways, including experiences of other physical and mental comorbidities, disease-related stigma and mortality. Social stigma associated with these conditions, in particular impact PWH differently and contributes to poor adherence and retention in care and worsen long term health outcomes.
The program on The Intersection of HIV, Cancer and Comorbidities was created to explore and understand the burden of the dual diagnosis of HIV and Cancer and the comorbidities associated with them. The program will enroll a cohort of individuals diagnosed with HIV and Cancer in the United States and/or in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This cohort will be used to obtain, analyze and disseminate mixed-methods retrospective and prospective data that would be used to identify, develop and implement interventions to improve social and clinical outcomes and quality of life for PWH across the lifespan.
Under the supervision of the Program Director, the research fellow will be responsible for activities that support the program of research on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and comorbidities focusing on interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches. The program will recruit suitably qualified candidates for an initial 1-year fellowship, renewable for another year contingent on availability of funding. The research fellow will undertake the day-to-day functions listed below and other activities assigned by the Program Director.
Position Responsibilities
Qualifications
Supervision Received
Direction and guidance will be provided by Program Director. This position will not have supervisory responsibilities.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. AHWFB is an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem – that includes Brenner Children’s Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,700 physicians. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing – for all.
It should be noted that while you are applying on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Career Site, you will receive communications from the Atrium Health Recruitment Team. Please know that this is an expected process. Thanks in advance for your flexibility.
