Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar for the LIFE-2 study. You will contribute to maternal and child health, health equity, and social epidemiology research, manage data, and collaborate on publications.

On-site recruitment and EPIC record abstraction at metro Detroit hospitals will be part of the role. You will have opportunities to lead author publications and work with a multi-site team across MSU, Wayne State, UNC, and U-M.

Qualifications

• Must hold a doctoral degree in epidemiology, public health or a related field.
• Strong data management and statistical analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues.
• Experience with EPIC medical records abstraction is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead author on publications and collaborate on co-authored works.
• Assist with study recruitment and medical record abstraction on-site at metro Detroit hospitals.

Skills

Data management

Statistical analysis

Independent work

Collegial collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in epidemiology or public health

Tools

EPIC medical record abstraction

Job description

Position Summary

Seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join the LIFE-2 study hosted in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Michigan State University (MSU). The project is led by Dr. Dawn Misra collaborating with Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey (University of North Carolina). The LIFE-2 study is a multi-site research study (MSU, Wayne State University, University of North Carolina, University of Michigan) that aims to describe how maternal social environments measured across the life course impact risk of preterm birth as well as the epigenome of women at her own birth and at the time of this pregnancy. The study follows women from delivery through the postpartum year to gain insight into potential risk and resilience factors.

The Postdoctoral Scholar must have expertise in maternal and child health, health equity, and social epidemiology. The Postdoctoral Scholar must have strong data management, analysis, and organization skills. The Postdoctoral Scholar will have the opportunity to be lead author on publications and will collaborate on co-authored publications. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also assist with study recruitment and medical record abstraction on site at metro Detroit hospitals.

As an institution of higher learning,Michigan StateUniversity is committedto providinga safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission.With this commitment,the Universityconductscriminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employmentinfaculty, academic staff, and executivemanagement searches.

Professional Misconduct Review

A professional misconduct reviewis a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected forthis position.Applicants will be asked to disclosewhether they are subject to any pending investigation,findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation.Allapplicantswill be asked tosign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’scurrent and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct.Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess thehistory, including any information provided by thecandidate, in determining whetherit is compatible withthe position.The University may decline to hire a candidate based on theprofessional misconduct review.All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files.If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -epidemiology, public health or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

• A doctoral degree or equivalent in epidemiology, public health or a related field.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis.
• Ability to work independently; self-motivated.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Subject-matter knowledge of epidemiology, maternal and child health, health equity, social epidemiology.
• Experience in medical record abstraction in EPIC.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong communication skills.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing qualifications, a curriculum vitae or resume, and names and contact information for three references.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Aug 4, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 11, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time