Research Associate – Epidemiology

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine seeks candidates for Research Associate positions in the Academic Support Staff within the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics. The appointment initially covers one year with potential renewal based on performance and funding.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a related field, postdoctoral experience, and a strong track record in statistical and causal inference methods for longitudinal data, with collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree required; at least one year of postdoctoral experience.
• Expertise in longitudinal causal inference and quantitative methods.
• Experience with EHRs, registries, or biobank data is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Development and application of statistical, causal, and machine learning methods for analyzing complex longitudinal data structures, including electronic health records (EHRs), registry data, biobanks, pragmatic trials and cohort studies;
• Collaboration on research projects across the palliative care, critical care, and health services research spectrum, working alongside faculty in the Department and a dynamic team of clinician-scientists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians; and
• Support for methodological development in clinical trials design, analysis, and monitoring; observational studies; and Bayesian causal inference applications.

Skills

Longitudinal causal inference

Statistical methods

Machine learning

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Biostatistics or Epidemiology

Job description

University of Pennsylvania: Perelman School of Medicine - Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Nov 20, 2025

Deadline: Nov 20, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

The Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for several Research Associate positions in the Academic Support Staff. This appointment will be initially for one (1) year and continuation during that time period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise is required in the specific area of longitudinal causal inference methods and/or the design, evaluation, and application of research methods, as well as a specific area of epidemiology, (bio)statistics, or a related field of quantitative or computational science. Applicants must have at least one year of postdoctoral experience. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

Responsibilities May Include

• Development and application of statistical, causal, and machine learning methods for analyzing complex longitudinal data structures, including electronic health records (EHRs), registry data, biobanks, pragmatic trials and cohort studies;
• Collaboration on research projects across the palliative care, critical care, and health services research spectrum, working alongside faculty in the Department and a dynamic team of clinician-scientists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians; and
• Support for methodological development in clinical trials design, analysis, and monitoring; observational studies; and Bayesian causal inference applications.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Michael Harhay and collaborators at the Center for Clinical Trials Innovation, with increasing autonomy to independently lead innovative methodological developments (particularly Bayesian components of funded projects) and author peer-reviewed publications. Collaborative contributions to team science are expected alongside building a clear path toward independent research in preparation for the next stage of their career.