Postdoctoral Fellow - Behavioral Science

We are seeking a talented, disciplined, conscientious, and motivated postdoctoral fellow with training and experience in one or more of the following: anthropology, behavioral science, social science, psychology, public health (e.g., community health, epidemiology), health services research, or a similar field. The successful candidate will have a record of peer-reviewed publications. The position is at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Behavioral Science and in the Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences in Houston, TX. The Department of Behavioral Science conducts behavioral research on cancer risk behaviors, contributing to the behavioral sciences knowledge base; and develops, implements, evaluates and disseminates interventions that contribute to preventing and reducing cancer incidence, mortality and morbidity in Texas and beyond, while also contributing to the career development of trainees of all levels.

The postdoctoral candidate will work within Dr. Lorraine Reitzel's laboratory under her direct supervision/mentorship. Therein, the postdoctoral candidate will assist Dr. Reitzel with the day-to-day administration of an NIH funded research education training program that focuses on developing the next generation of tobacco dependence treatment providers and researchers. The postdoctoral candidate will also be exposed to and assist with externally funded implementation science programs that are designed to reach groups with high tobacco use rates at the places where they receive care, such as medical healthcare and behavioral health treatment centers. Ultimately, these programs focus on building center capacity for the implementation of evidence-based policy and tobacco treatment interventions on site.

The postdoctoral candidate will have immediate access to data for manuscript writing. Dr. Reitzel has a strong record of publications led by and/or including co-authorship by trainees of every level. The postdoctoral candidate will also engage in the conceptualization of grant applications and grant writing and participate in plentiful professional development activities. Funds will be available to support external training opportunities and presentations in professional forums.

The successful applicant can expect to start this position immediately. Although the postdoctoral candidate can work remotely, occasional in-person presence will be required. For that reason, residence in or near Houston, Texas, or willingness to relocate is preferred. The successful applicant will be interested in an academic career, and willing to working toward writing a career development award (or similar goal) during the fellowship. The successful postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to remain with the lab beyond the initial year of appointment.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Day-to-day administrative oversight of the lab's training initiatives, with opportunities to mentor undergraduate, medical student, and doctoral trainees.
• Planning, organizing, coordinating, and participating in research projects focused on implementation science and tobacco dependence/control.
• Working closely with the team to determine specific goals or objectives to be obtained for each project and evaluate research data, develop, and revise techniques or approaches to work problems.
• Developing and/or recommending program intervention, prevention, and/or control strategies.
• Providing expertise and services on behavioral research-related issues, data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Conducting research activities (literature reviews, manuscripts) and editing reports, presentations, and other documents.
• Presenting findings of research projects to professional groups and preparing scientific documents for publication.
• Contributing to grant applications.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in anthropology, psychology, public health or other related behavioral/social sciences discipline; or is currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program and will have fulfilled all degree requirements prior to beginning the postdoctoral fellowship
• Knowledge and experience with research, particularly in addiction sciences and/or dissemination and implementation science
• Be able to function independently as well as part of a team
• Strong data analysis skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• Excellent oral presentation and writing skills
• Advanced training in research methodology with a strong publication record
• Strong work ethic and commitment to becoming an independent scientist
• Critical thinking skills and a proclivity for attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• A defined research focus including (but not limited to) tobacco dependence

POSITION INFORMATION

MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

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