APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Dr. Xue Zhang, in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State, is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar to use an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to study the individual, interpersonal, social, and structural factors that shape health disparities with a focus on rural communities. The Postdoctoral Scholar should have expertise in and conduct research on rural-urban or within-rural disparities in at least one of the following areas: substance use, healthcare access and utilization, and mortality.

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with Dr. Zhang and, as appropriate, other faculty within the department or affiliated research centers to conduct analyses on social-ecological factors related to health disparities, with an interest in social and structural determinants of health.

• Develop research manuscripts for publication in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.

• Assist in the preparation of research proposals to generate extramural support (e.g., R21, R01).

• 25% of the time will be allocated to the successful candidate for the development of an independent research agenda that aligns with the focus on rural health disparities.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D., preferably in public health, biostatistics, social science, or a related field.

• Evidence of strong writing skills is required.

• A strong quantitative background in statistics and/or spatial analysis.
  

The position is initially funded for one year, with an opportunity to renew for a second year.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit the following materials with your online application:

• CV

• One-page cover letter

• One-page research statement

• Contact information for two references

• Optional: 1-3 writing samples

Please email Xue Zhang (xuezhang@psu.edu) with informal inquiries. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by March 14, 2025.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of 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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: