Postdoctoral Scholar - BBH Social Determinants of Health Lab

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Dr. Xue Zhang, in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State, is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar to use an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to study the individual, interpersonal, social, and structural factors that shape health disparities with a focus on rural communities. The Postdoctoral Scholar should have expertise in and conduct research on rural-urban or within-rural disparities in at least one of the following areas: substance use, healthcare access and utilization, and mortality.

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with Dr. Zhang and, as appropriate, other faculty within the department or affiliated research centers to conduct analyses on social-ecological factors related to health disparities, with an interest in social and structural determinants of health.

• Develop research manuscripts for publication in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.

• Assist in the preparation of research proposals to generate extramural support (e.g., R21, R01).

• 25% of the time will be allocated to the successful candidate for the development of an independent research agenda that aligns with the focus on rural health disparities.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D., preferably in public health, biostatistics, social science, or a related field.

• Evidence of strong writing skills is required.

• A strong quantitative background in statistics and/or spatial analysis.

The position is initially funded for one year, with an opportunity to renew for a second year.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit the following materials with your online application:

• CV

• One-page cover letter

• One-page research statement

• Contact information for two references

• Optional: 1-3 writing samples

Please email Xue Zhang (xuezhang@psu.edu) with informal inquiries. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by March 14, 2025.

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