SHARP Scholar

Heluna Health invites applications for the position of Summer HIV/AIDS Research Program (SHARP) Scholar within the Center for Learning & Innovation in the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The Center for Learning & Innovation is a branch within the Population Health Division that is committed to training future public health professionals.

In summer 2025, SHARP will welcome a cohort of six scholars into its program. Each of these scholars will conduct a focused research project under the mentorship of experienced faculty and will work in pairs with mentors. Scholars will also attend a series of weekly seminars on topics including research design and methods, promising HIV prevention approaches, and possible research careers. Scholars will also have opportunities to shadow clinical trial and community outreach staff members, attend community consultations on research, and participate in social and networking events with other scholars as well as minority young investigators from local academic institutions. After completing the program, scholars will be encouraged to continue interacting with each other and future cohorts through the SHARP portal, a social media and learning website.

SHARP aims to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented communities, including minority racial/ethnic groups (especially African Americans, Latinos and Latinas, Native Americans, and natives of Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Pacific Islands), persons with disabilities, and persons from disadvantaged backgrounds, or from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. Individuals from these backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Research Project

• Collect and analyze data relevant to the prevention of HIV in severely affected communities
• Present findings at the SHARP Symposium
• Prepare an abstract to be submitted for presentation at other research seminars or conferences

Training

• Engage in one-on-one mentorship related to the selected project
• Participate in weekly seminars with other SHARP Scholars
• Complete e-Learning activities through the SHARP portal
• Shadow clinical and community outreach staff

Collaboration

• Attend regular mentoring, team and all-staff meetings
• Participate in networking events with other scholars and faculty
• Contribute actively to a cohesive team environment

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Education/Experience

• In good academic standing during the preceding academic year
• Enrolled in an undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or certificate program at a U.S. accredited college or university or have recently graduated from college/university (less than two years since graduation)
• Work, volunteer, or life experience working with communities that are highly affected by HIV or other diseases/health issues
• Experience and/or coursework in research methods such as focus groups, surveys, statistics, and program evaluations is a plus

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to diverse communities, particularly communities of color and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender communities and those most affected by HIV
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues related to HIV prevention, HIV care, and stigma and discrimination faced by persons living and affected by HIV
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability both to take individual initiative and to collaborate effectively on teams

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand                                       Frequently

Walk                                        Frequently

Sit                                            Frequently

Handling / Fingering               Occasionally

Reach Outward                       Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder           Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend     Occasionally

Lift / Carry                               Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull                                 Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See                                          Constantly

Taste/ Smell                            Not Applicable

Not Applicable          Not required for essential functions

Occasionally             (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently                 (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly                 (5 hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary : $21