Post-Doctoral Associate

The School of Public Health is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an applicant's record working with individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to success in an academic environment. SPH seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce, we particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

We are currently accepting applications for one rural health postdoctoral associate position beginning on or after July/August 1, 2023.

At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (RHRC), we conduct policy-relevant research to improve the lives of rural residents and families, to advance health equity, and to enhance the vitality of rural communities. We invite scholars from diverse backgrounds to apply for the RHRC's Rural Health Equity Postdoctoral Program. The program will support the professional development of researchers who can address critical gaps in knowledge by doing the following:

1. Conduct research to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policy that advances health equity in individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on rural areas and geographic inequities.
2. Study the impacts of institutional and governmental policies that affect health care access, health care quality, maternity care, social determinants of health, systems of care and services, and population health outcomes across the lifespan, with a focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
3. Focus and engage with rural populations that face structural barriers to good health outcomes, including the following: communities of color, Indigenous people, women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes.
4. Conduct research in partnership with communities, and communicate findings to policymakers and back to communities, highlighting the impact of decisions for individual, family, and community health.

The primary goal of this program is to train scholars who will become innovative research leaders in rural health. The postdoctoral associate will receive mentorship and support from the RHRC leadership and staff and closely collaborate on projects.

The focus of the current position is on rural maternity care and the health and well-being of rural residents who are pregnant and those who give birth. The supervisor for this postdoctoral associate will be RHRC Director, Dr. Katy Backes Kozhimannil.

The postdoctoral associate will be expected to co-lead, with RHRC faculty or staff, a one-year rural health focused project (Sep-Aug) that is specified by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. During the first year of the program, the associate will have an opportunity to provide input to shape a one-year project that they could lead or co-lead during the second year of the program. Results from these two projects will be published as peer-reviewed manuscripts, publicly-available policy briefs, and disseminated at rural-relevant conferences. RHRC's work is characterized by rapid turnaround, policy-relevant, rigorous research that informs decision-making and improves the health of rural communities.

The associate will also have an opportunity to develop and implement an independent rural health equity research project focused on rural Minnesota. The specific focus and methodology of this project will depend on the expertise and interest of the associate, but may include quantitative analysis, qualitative data collection and analysis, and community-engaged work.

This is a two-year position, with the second year of funding being contingent on successful completion of the first. This is a 100% FTE position over a 2-year period using standard NIH postdoctoral position salary range; travel stipend to attend a national conference each year will also be made available.

Application Due Date: April 14, 2023. We will begin reviewing applications following the application due date.

Salary range: NIH standard postdoctoral salary ($60,000-$65,000 USD annually)

Any questions related to the position can be directed to Katie Rydberg at reedx472@umn.edu.

Postdoctoral associates must have (or will complete before the scheduled start date) the following requirements:

• Graduated from a doctoral program with a focus in health policy, public health, demography, geography, sociology, or a closely-related discipline
• Training and demonstrated excellence in methods/statistics, including analysis of survey data, claims data, and/or qualitative data; our research needs focus on quantitative analysis of secondary data.
• Ability to conduct rigorous research efficiently in a fast-paced, policy-relevant, community-engaged environment.
• Recently graduated individuals with a focus on racial equity, including rural Black and Indigenous people, are especially encouraged to apply.
• Experience with data analysis in a US Census Research Data Center and US Census Special Sworn Status are preferred, but not required.

About our Center

At RHRC, our dedicated team of experts conducts research that is informed by the lived experiences of people, families, and communities that experience increasing racial and economic disparities centered on place. Centering on diverse perspectives, we continually work to educate ourselves on the particular strength and resilience of rural people, Indigenous people, and communities of color. We study access to and quality of health care, social determinants of health, institutional and systematic barriers, and population health outcomes to build the evidence base for policymaking and system transformation that improves overall health and well-being. Our work focuses on eliminating inequities based on geography and place, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, and ability. We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in research and to communicating results broadly to inform policy, research, community, and individual decision-making.

The Rural Health Equity Postdoctoral Program is supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota. It is housed in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. The funding for this fellowship comes from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, grant UL1TR002494.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

In your application documents, please include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Writing sample

Application Due Date: Friday, April 14, 2023.

Any questions related to the position can be directed to Katie Rydberg at reedx472@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.