Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity: Effects of Social Policies on Cardiovascular Health and Aging

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) are seeking an individual to conduct innovative research to examine the effects of social policies (such as school racial segregation, poverty alleviation policies) on cardiovascular health and aging.

The project involves leveraging natural experiments and analyzing multiple large U.S. survey data sets to examine the effects of social policies on cardiovascular health and aging. The project emphasizes policy evaluation, social determinants, and research methods. Social policies under investigation may include local changes in school segregation, state-level educational policies, poverty alleviation policy, and others.

Postdoctoral candidates must possess a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent) in epidemiology, health policy, economics, political science, or a related field. Strong quantitative analytical and writing skills are required. This position is for two years and suitable for graduating doctoral students who are looking to gain research experience and further career development. Research experience in social determinants of health, racial disparities, and cardiovascular and aging outcomes is desirable. Methodological expertise in longitudinal analysis, econometric methods (e.g., instrumental variables analysis), and spatial analysis is also highly desirable. Experience in Stata, R, or SAS is required. Fellows will be expected to conduct statistical analysis, publish first-authored manuscripts on projects aligned with the primary research topic, present findings at national conferences, and prepare grant applications to establish research independence. They will benefit from a strong mentorship team, led by the principal investigator Dr. Rita Hamad (Director, Social Policies for Health Equity Research (SPHERE) Program). Other co-investigators include Dr. Maria Glymour, Dr. Justin White, and Dr. Scarlett Lin Gomez.

All application packets must include a cover letter describing your interests and experience, your CV, one manuscript (published or unpublished), and one sample of statistical code. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. The earliest start date is Fall 2020, but we would consider later start dates for competitive candidates. Salaries are competitive and will be commensurate with the applicants’ experience and training. Additional funding is available for travel, presentations, and research expenses.

Applicants may submit their applications in an email entitled “Policy postdoc application” to Dr. Hamad at [email protected]. Questions about the position can also be directed to Dr. Hamad.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.