Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Epidemiology of Aging

The UCSF Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow to join a team of interdisciplinary scholars focused on evaluating barriers and facilitators of long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults living alone with cognitive impairment.

In the United States, one-third of community-dwelling older adults live alone. The prevalence of living alone is the same for community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research on the factors that either facilitate or serve as impediments to LTSS use for this important sub-group of older adults, including how these factors differ by race/ethnicity and gender.

The postdoctoral fellow who joins our team will generate critical knowledge on this important topic as part of a National Institute on Aging-funded study led by researchers at UCSF. This study aims to conduct rigorous quantitative and qualitative research on LTSS use among diverse older adults living alone with cognitive impairment. Findings from this research will be leveraged to make policy recommendations at federal and state levels, which will be informed by the insights of national and international policy experts.

We are seeking a fellow who will lead quantitative analyses, manuscripts, and conference presentations using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (with potential extension to other large survey databases) as well as linked Medicaid claims data on home and community-based service utilization. Depending on interests, there will be also opportunities to join in on parallel qualitative data collection and analyses as well as the process of translating science to policy recommendations in partnership with stakeholders outside of academia. The postdoctoral fellow will be supervised by Dr. Jacqueline Torres, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and will have the opportunity to join a vibrant network of junior and senior scholars, including within the team of Dr. Maria Glymour, for additional mentorship in the epidemiology of aging and related career development opportunities.

Minimum qualifications include completion of a doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, ScD) in epidemiology, public health, sociology, health services, health policy, or a related field; demonstrated experience managing and analyzing large population-based datasets and/or medical claims data for epidemiologic research in STATA and/or R; experience leading the completion of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; and interest in the epidemiology of aging.

The postdoctoral fellowship will be for a two-year initial appointment, with the possibility of extension.

Applicants may submit their applications in an email entitled “Postdoctoral Fellowship Application” to Dr. Torres at [email protected]. Questions about the position can also be directed to Dr. Torres. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period, with a suggested start date of September 2021. Earlier start dates are available.

 

Application Requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter, including a summary of relevant experience and interests and statement of long-term career goals
  • Manuscript (published or unpublished)
  • Sample of statistical code
  • List of 3-5 references (contact information only)

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.