Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Jobtailor; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Knoxville, TN, invites applications for a PhD-level research scientist to join our Center for Sociodemographic Studies. You will design and execute rigorous quantitative projects aligned with our mission and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

The position expects a proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and the ability to present findings at major conferences, with strong communication skills and independent work style.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed by start date.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong research record or potential in structural inequality, families, health, or poverty.
• Expertise in advanced quantitative methods (longitudinal data, HLM, causal inference, large datasets).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Center’s Director on research projects.
• Develop and execute an original, quantitative research project aligned with the Center's mission.
• Publish high-impact findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage with the Center’s interdisciplinary community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Present research findings at major national and international conferences.

Skills

Publication record

Advanced quantitative methods

Independent & collaborative work

Verbal & written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Sociology / Economics / Public Health / Demography or related social science

Job description

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Center’s Director on research projects.
• Developing and executing an original, quantitative research project aligned with the Center's mission.
• Publishing high-impact findings in leading peer-reviewed sociological, demographic, or public health journals.
• Engaging with the Center’s interdisciplinary community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Presenting research findings at major national and international professional conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Demography, or related social science field (must be completed by the start date).
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• A strong research record or high potential in the study of structural inequality, families, health, and/or poverty.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative methods, such as longitudinal data analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, causal inference, or the analysis of large-scale administrative and survey datasets.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in advanced quantitative methods and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on structural inequality, families, health, and poverty. Engages effectively in interdisciplinary collaborations and communicates research findings clearly.