Postdoctoral Scholar

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Social Science Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park) seeks two Postdoctoral Scholars to work with Dr. Jonathan Daw (Associate Professor of Sociology and Demography) and collaborators (at Penn State University Park and College of Medicine, Duke University, ENSAE Paris, Florida State University, Georgia Southern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Temple University), on projects related to the demography of kidney disease and transplantation.

Position 1:

This position is funded by an R01 research grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, will help investigate the role of county-level measures of structural racism in racial/ethnic disparities in end-stage kidney disease incidence, treatment, and patient mortality. Key duties will include managing and analyzing large, complex datasets such as the United States Renal Data System, the National Health Interview Study, US Census and American Community Survey data, and area-level administrative and survey data used to construct an index of structural racism. The successful applicant will collaborate on and lead the design and implementation of quantitative research and co-author the resulting manuscripts for academic publication.

Position 2:

This position has greater flexibility in research topics so long as they are related to the social determinants of kidney disease and transplantation and are conducted in collaboration with Dr. Daw. Interest in analyzing existing (survey, administrative, text, and/or medical record) data or fielding novel data collection and analysis to address research questions at the intersection of social science and medicine is the primary qualification, along with excellent data analysis and academic writing skills and a relevant doctorate. The successful applicant will be expected to collaborate and lead the development of manuscripts in the relevant topic area.

Education and Experience: The following education and work experience are required:

• A Ph.D. in sociology, demography, public health, medicine, biostatistics by the effective date of employment
• Expertise in at least one programming language for data analysis (Stata, R, or SAS preferred)
• Prior academic publication experience

The successful candidate for both positions will have strong research skills experience, as well as experience working in multidisciplinary teams, good writing skills, and strong training in quantitative research.

Both positions will reserve time to author publications resulting from the applicant's independent research, and successful applicants will be co-mentored by Dr. Daw and other research team members. They will be encouraged and supported in initiating and developing new independent lines of research and/or funding as well. Overall, it is expected the scholar will spend 70% of their time working on collaborative research and 30% of their time on their own independent research.

Application: To apply, please include a CV, names and contact details of three references, and a cover letter explaining which position most interests you, why, and your relevant experience.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is June 1, 2024.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year with a high likelihood of renewal contingent on successful work.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits for Postdoctoral Scholars, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Please visit for more detailed information.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.


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