Call for Applications: Health Communication Postdoctoral Fellow

The Health Communication and Equity Lab (HCEL), based at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, examines inequalities in marketing, media, and message effects across diverse populations. Our research informs the design of culturally responsive communication interventions to advance the health and well-being of health disparity populations. HCEL is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship to begin in June 2021. The focus of this fellowship is on health communication strategies to address tobacco-related health disparities. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility for renewal.

The research fellow will gain skills and expertise to be successful as an independent investigator. The research fellow will work closely with Professor Andy Tan, PI of HCEL, to implement a current NIH-funded research project to design and evaluate culturally-tailored anti-smoking health messaging for young adult sexual minority women. Research skills and experiences will include utilizing mixed methods research, community engagement, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and development of a competitive grant application. The fellowship will include relevant short courses or workshops, opportunities for presenting research at scientific meetings and seminars, and networking with expert collaborators on interdisciplinary research. Collaborators of HCEL include faculty from the Annenberg School, Penn-Rutgers Tobacco Center for Regulatory Science, Penn Nursing, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Qualifications include a doctoral degree (or earning the degree by the start date) in health communication, public health, health promotion, or related social and behavioral sciences. Candidates with a track record in conducting mixed methods research, including population-based surveys, experiments, health campaign formative and evaluation research, qualitative methods, and substantive experience in sexual and gender minority health research are preferred. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups that are underrepresented in health-related research, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit their CV, three letters of reference, plus a cover letter describing their research experience and research interests to Professor Andy Tan (Andy.Tan@asc.upenn.edu). Competitive salary and benefits, as well as funds for relocation, career development, and pilot studies initiated by the fellow are provided. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.