Health Policy Implementation Postdoctoral Scholar

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of California, Irvine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar (20% FTE) in the CHIP Laboratory, focusing on health policy development, implementation and evaluation. The role emphasizes manuscript development, literature synthesis, grant proposals, and collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.

Qualified candidates hold a Ph.D. in health/public policy or related fields, with strong writing and diverse methods experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or related field.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in health policy research, particularly policy implementation and/or evaluation.
• Strong scientific writing, literature synthesis, and analytical skills.
• Training or experience with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
• Ability to contribute effectively to peer-reviewed manuscripts and research proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manuscript development, literature synthesis, grant and proposal development.
• Collaborate on ongoing health policy research projects.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and research proposals.
• Advance dissemination of research findings for academic and policy audiences.

Education

Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or related field

Job description

Position overview

Salary for this position is between $71,491 - $85,736. Pay will be based on experience and qualifications. For more information, please see the link: Postdoc Experience Level Salary

Application Window

• Open date: September 11, 2026
• Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
• Final date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

DESCRIPTION The Community Health & Innovative Policy (CHIP) Laboratory, led by Dr. Denise Payan in the Department of Health, Society and Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Scholar for a 20% full-time equivalent (FTE) appointment during the 2026-2027 academic year. The position corresponds to an average of approximately 8 hours per week.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with Dr. Payan and members of the CHIP Laboratory on research examining health policy development, implementation, and evaluation, with particular attention to state and local policy and the factors that shape policy implementation and outcomes. Research projects may span multiple areas of public health and health policy and may employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.

The primary responsibilities of the position will involve manuscript development, literature synthesis, grant and proposal development, and collaboration on ongoing health policy research projects. The scholar will have opportunities to contribute substantively to peer-reviewed publications and research proposals while participating in an interdisciplinary health policy research environment.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently with guidance from the principal investigator and collaborators; contribute intellectually to health policy implementation research; synthesize scientific and policy literature; contribute to manuscript and proposal development; and help advance dissemination of research findings for academic and policy audiences.

For more information, please contact Dr. Denise Payan at [e-mail]

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Qualifications: Qualified candidates with a Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or another related social, behavioral, or population science field are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise or demonstrated interest in health policy implementation, policy evaluation, implementation science, or state and local policymaking, as well as strong scholarly writing and research skills.

• Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or another related social, behavioral, or population science field.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in health policy research, particularly policy implementation and/or evaluation.
• Strong scientific writing, literature synthesis, and analytical skills.
• Training or experience with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
• Ability to contribute effectively to peer-reviewed manuscripts and research proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affi­

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA