Occupational Therapy Post-Doctoral Fellowship

The University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Laboratory is seeking applications for a one-year Occupational Therapy Post-Doctoral Fellowship beginning July 2026 . The Healthy Home Laboratory is a distinctive interprofessional research, education, and training laboratory dedicated to developing, evaluating, and implementing innovative technologies and evidence-based solutions that support aging in place for older adults. The laboratory brings together faculty, staff, and students from the Schools of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Social Work, creating a rich collaborative environment for advanced training, scholarship, and community impact.

The primary research focus of this Occupational Therapy Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a one-year project funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Let There Be Light , aimed at developing and implementing an evidence-informed aging-in-place program for community-dwelling older adults across Pennsylvania. The selected fellow will work closely with the project's principal investigator and play an active leadership role in advancing the following three aims:

Aim 1: Develop a low-tech lighting toolkit for older adult consumers using a primary prevention model
Aim 2: Design a toolkit training and delivery model for implementation through Pennsylvania senior centers
Aim 3: Implement the lighting toolkit program across senior centers throughout Pennsylvania using a train-the-trainer dissemination model

This position offers substantial leadership and professional development opportunities, including conducting focus groups, collecting and managing quantitative and qualitative data, supporting program recruitment, and leading training module development and dissemination activities. The fellow will collaborate closely with the investigative team to analyze findings using established implementation science frameworks, including FRAME, CFIR, and RE-AIM. This is a community-facing position that involves regular, direct interaction with senior center program managers in suburban and rural Pennsylvania, as well as community-dwelling older adults. Some travel throughout Pennsylvania will be necessary. Applicants must have access to a personal vehicle and possess a valid driver's license.

Research, Education, Practice, and Policy Training opportunities

The fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with an interprofessional team of investigators and gain advanced skills in implementing evidence-based solutions that support aging in place. In collaboration with their primary mentor, the fellow will also have the opportunity to contribute to one or more additional ongoing Healthy Home Laboratory projects, providing exposure to diverse areas of research within the laboratory, including technology development and commercialization, technology evaluation, and translational research. The fellowship offers hands-on experience with the full range of technologies housed within the Healthy Home Laboratory, as well as opportunities to develop education and training skills through participation in educational open houses, community tours, and experiential learning activities across University programs. In addition, the fellow will receive mentored training in home assessment and environmental modification, as well as dissemination and implementation science, through University resources such as the Dissemination and Implementation Science Core (DISC). Lastly, this fellowship also provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with health policy leaders, gaining experience in the development of health policy briefs and recommendations related to aging in place.

Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated interest in occupational therapy with older adults, assistive technology, home modifications, and implementation science.

Applicants with training, clinical experience, or leadership experiences beyond classroom curricula related to older adult practice are strongly preferred. Prior research experience is highly desirable and will be considered an asset. Candidates must be on track to complete all occupational therapy doctoral degree requirements no later than June 1, 2026.

Required submission materials:

· Cover Letter: The cover letter should describe the applicant's career goals, clinical training, and relevant experiences, specific knowledge and skills, professional development goals for the fellowship , and any programs, projects, or mentors of particular interest to the University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Laboratory.

· Resume or Curriculum Vitae

· Names and contact information for two professional references, including a primary clinical doctoral studies advisor or mentor. Please note: references will only be contacted after prior discussion with the applicant.

Questions can be directed to Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, at View email address on click.appcast.io 

Finalists will be asked later to provide official transcripts or documentation that they have completed all occupational therapy doctoral degree requirements by July 1, 2026. These need not be submitted at the time of initial application.

Priority consideration will be considered for individuals who submit their materials by May 15, 2026.