Postdoctoral Scholar UC Merced's Public Health Department

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range: See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $82,836. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: Open until filled Position duration: 2 years

Application Window

Open date: April 7, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Dr. Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young in UC Merced's Public Health Department is seeking a talented and qualified postdoctoral scholar to collaborate on quantitative and qualitative research regarding the population health impacts of immigration policies and immigration enforcement.
Dr. Young is seeking a scholar with demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection and analysis and analysis of survey data, with a preference for candidates with a strong commitment to community-engaged and policy-oriented scholarship. Demonstrated experience includes examples of first-authored or co-authored publications, experience with project management, and academic training in study methods and topics.
The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Young, collaborators, and doctoral and undergraduate students on two projects. The first study is Policies Influencing Rural Latino Health (PIRLH) Study, a multi-level population-based study of the impact of immigration policy on the mental health and health care access of Latino adults residing in rural communities in California and Arizona. The postdoc will be responsible for supervising community-engaged data dissemination, conducting analysis of study survey data, and leading and contributing to manuscripts. They may also contribute to supplemental qualitative data collection. The specific focus of analyses and papers will be informed by the postdoc's area of expertise and research directions. In the second project, the postdoc will contribute to an ongoing survey study of the social, economic, and health costs of mass deportation in California. The postdoc will support an interviewing team to conduct follow-up qualitative interviews with legal aid organizations, immigrant-serving community-based organizations, local policy makers and agencies, and business leaders to document the unfolding consequences of expanded immigration enforcement in California. Other related duties will include supervising research assistants, attending team research meetings, presenting on behalf of the research team at local or statewide meetings or conferences, and communicating with a study advisory board.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

* Ph.D. in Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Community Health Sciences, Health/Public Policy, or other related social, behavioral, or population science field
* Interest in health equity and rural health research
* Strong methodological and data analysis skills (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods)
* Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent and collaborative scientific research
* Willingness to mentor and assist undergraduate research assistants

Preferred qualifications

* Knowledge of immigrant health
* Knowledge of immigration laws and policies
* Strong quantitative data analysis skills
* Interest in qualitative research methods

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research

• Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Please provide contact information for three academic references.

Apply link:

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About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other