Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Center for the Study of Family Health and Well-Being - UTK

The Center for the Study of Family Health and Well-being at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship to begin September 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). This is an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding.

This position is intended for an innovative early-career scholar whose work addresses the structural mechanisms that lead to persistent disparities. We are seeking a candidate who utilizes rigorous quantitative methods to explore the dynamics of structural inequality, economic disparities, and/or health outcomes within the context of families.

Research Focus & Responsibilities

The selected fellow will pursue an independent research project that advances our understanding of how institutional and structural forces shape family life and population health. We are particularly interested in research that examines:

• Structural & Economic Inequality: Analyzing how stratification, labor market shifts, or policy changes impact poverty and income inequality between and within families.
• Health Disparities: Investigating the social determinants of health and the processes through which systemic inequalities produce disparate physical, mental health, or physiological outcomes.
• Children Well-being: Exploring the role of structural inequality on children's well-being (broadly defined).

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Demography, or a related social science field (must be completed by the start date).

• Experience: Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• A strong research record or high potential in the study of structural inequality, families, health, and/or poverty.

• Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative methods, such as longitudinal data analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, causal inference, or the analysis of large-scale administrative and survey datasets.

• Ability to work independently while coordinating interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Strong verbal and written communication.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Prior experience with grant-writing and securing external research funding.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Experience with state/county-level data
• Familiarity with map-making software/programs (e.g., ArcGIS, R, STATA, etc.)

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 - $65,000

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Cover Letter: Outlining your research background, methodological training, and interest in the Center.
• Research Statement: A description of your proposed independent project (max 3 pages) focusing on structural inequality, economic disparities, or health outcomes.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing Samples: Two representative publications or dissertation chapters.
• References: Contact information for three professional references.
• Working closely with the Center's Director on research projects.
• Developing and executing an original, quantitative research project aligned with the Center''s mission.
• Publishing high-impact findings in leading peer-reviewed sociological, demographic, or public health journals.
• Engaging with the Center's interdisciplinary community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Presenting research findings at major national and international professional conferences.
• Working closely with the Center's Director on research projects.
• Developing and executing an original, quantitative research project aligned with the Center''s mission.
• Publishing high-impact findings in leading peer-reviewed sociological, demographic, or public health journals.
• Engaging with the Center's interdisciplinary community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Presenting research findings at major national and international professional conferences.