Postdoctoral Scholar - Race/Ethnic Differences in Life Course Exposure to Death of Family Members: Consequences for Health

The Population Research Center (PRC), a cross-campus center located at The University of Texas at Austin, is seeking a postdoctoral scholar with a PhD in economics, public policy, demography, social work, sociology, or a related discipline, to work with faculty and researchers on the NIA-supported project, “Race/Ethnic Differences in Life Course Exposure to Death: Consequences for Health.” The research team is led by Dr. Debra Umberson and includes Bob Hummer (UNC), Hui Liu (Michigan State), Belinda Needham (University of Michigan), Eileen Crimmins (USC), Bridget Goosby (University of Texas), and Mark Hayward (University of Texas). The postdoc will work with faculty and researchers to conduct analyses using Health & Retirement Study (HRS) and National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) data.

The overall project focuses on family member loss (i.e., child, parent, sibling, and spouse) and the consequences for mental and physical health, mortality risk, and dementia risk with attention to the significant racial/ethnic disparities in the probability of losing family members from childhood through later life in the U.S.

The postdoc will participate in the PRC seminars and data workshops, working groups, and collaborative research projects/articles. The postdoctoral fellowship is initially for one year, with the option to renew for an additional year(s) contingent on performance and funding. The salary for this position will be $50,000+, depending on qualifications and experience.

Please submit the following materials to umberson@prc.utexas.edu.

• Cover letter

• CV

• Three letters of recommendation

Each application will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• The degree of fit of research interests
• Experience with HRS and/or Add Health data

• Demonstrated record of expertise with quantitative data and longitudinal data analysis

• How the postdoctoral training will help to further the scholar’s career trajectory
• Strength of letters of support

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.