Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Demography and Aging

University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

University resources

Job summary

University of Notre Dame invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship in Sociology under the mentorship of Dr. Yang Claire Yang, with support from the Notre Dame Population Analytics Center.

The scholar will engage in life course research on social determinants of chronic disease and aging, employing data linkage and analysis across NIH longitudinal cohorts. The appointment requires in-residence at Notre Dame, with initial one-year terms and potential renewal for two more years.

Qualifications

• PhD in demography, population health, aging, biopsychology, neuropsychology, biology, or quantitative fields.
• Strong publication record and experience with big data and interdisciplinary research.
• Experience with data linkage and NIH longitudinal cohort studies (e.g., Add Health, HRS, MIDUS).

Responsibilities

• Participate in large life-course research projects led by Dr. Yang.
• Lead studies on social stress, aging, and health disparities.
• Develop harmonized measures and analyze longitudinal data.
• Collaborate with faculty, predoctoral associates, and graduate students; co-author papers.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Big data analytics

Interdisciplinary research

Collaborative mindset

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

SAS

Stata

R

Job description

We invite applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship position under the mentorship of Dr. Yang Claire Yang (Sociology), and with the support of Notre Dame Population Analytics Center. We seek a scholar with a stellar record and a PhD degree trained in one or more of the following fields: demography, population health, aging and the life course, biopsychology, neuropsychology, biology, and quantitative methodologies.

The postdoctoral scholar is expected to participate in large research projects led by Dr. Yang using a life course approach to uncover social determinants of chronic disease, of aging, and the underlying biological mechanisms, and also lead studies that are part of or stem from these projects. The substantive focus is on social stress (such as poverty, socioeconomic disadvantages, social isolation) and biological risks of physical and cognitive aging as well as the interplay of social and biological pathways that generate and sustain social disparities in health and aging over the life course. The methodological focus which is also a significant portion of the work is on data linkages and methods to integration, multiple large-scale NIH longitudinal cohort studies (e.g., Add Health, HRS, MIDUS), constructing harmonized measures of social stress and biomarkers across datasets, and statistical analysis of complex longitudinal data. The work is highly innovative in research design and will have the potential for translational policy impacts for aging populations in the U.S. and globally. Additionally, there will be ample opportunities for collaboration with not only teams of faculty, predoctoral associates, and graduate students at ND Pop but also a wider network of scholars and career development. Candidates will contribute to the whole process of research from literature review to data analysis and co-authorship of research projects.

The fellowship appointment requires being in residence at the University of Notre Dame. Appointments are for one year, with the expectation for renewal for a second and third year pending satisfactory performance. The position is scheduled to start July 1, 2027 and is based in the College of Arts & Letters at the University of Notre Dame. The position offers a starting salary of $72,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and access to university resources.

Qualifications

In addition to the educational requirements, the following qualifications and experience are desired:

• A productive, self-driven, and collaborative scholar with a strong background in health and aging, statistical modeling, and a keen interest and some experience in interdisciplinary research on health using big data
• Experience with population research, linkage of large datasets, proficiency with SAS / Stata / R, and other data analytics tools
• Experience with biomarkers of aging, stress physiology, immune, metabolic, neuroendocrine, and neurocognitive functions

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Dual Career Assistance

To support relocating families, Notre Dame’s Dual Career Assistance Program helps spouses and partners pursue local career opportunities.

Background Check

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.