Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher in Tobacco Communication Regulatory Science

The Health Communication and Equity Lab invites applications to fill one postdoctoral fellowship position for the 2024-2025 academic year. The focus of this fellowship is on research to assess how messaging about the tobacco product continuum of risk impacts adults who use combustible tobacco products and youth/young adults.

The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility for renewal for a second year.

Applications are welcomed from scholars who have received their Ph.D. or anticipate to complete their Ph.D. by May 2025.

Position Summary

The Health Communication and Equity Lab (HCEL) is based in the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and our research informs the design of culturally responsive communication interventions to advance the health and well-being of populations that are impacted by tobacco use. The focus of this fellowship is on research to assess how messaging about the tobacco product continuum of risk impacts adults who use combustible tobacco products and youth/young adults. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility for renewal for a second year.

The research fellow will gain skills and expertise to be successful as an independent investigator. The research fellow will work closely with Dr. Andy Tan on a federally-funded research project. The fellow will receive training and mentoring on utilizing mixed methods research, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant writing. The fellowship will include relevant short courses or workshops, invited speaker series, opportunities for presenting research at scientific meetings and seminars, networking with experts, collaboration on interdisciplinary research with faculty from Penn, Johns Hopkins University, and federal partners. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone's voice is valued and heard.

Required qualifications include a doctoral degree (or earning the degree by the start date) in health communication, tobacco regulatory science, social and behavioral science, or related fields. Candidates with a track record in conducting research in tobacco-related communication regulatory science, formative and evaluative studies of tobacco education health messaging, mixed methods research including content analysis, surveys, and experiments, and experience in recruitment of adults who use tobacco products, youth, and young adults are preferred. Strong written and presentation skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment are highly desired. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups that are underrepresented in health-related research, are strongly encouraged to apply.

First-year postdoctoral researchers will receive a minimum stipend of $65,000 commensurate with prior postdoctoral experience and serve in a 12-month appointment, beginning October 1, 2024. Postdoctoral fellows will receive a taxable relocation allowance of up to $1,000 for domestic relocations and up to $2,000 for international relocations as well as $3,000 in travel/research expenses for work conducted in the center. Postdocs and their dependents are eligible for health insurance under the University of Pennsylvania’s plans outlined here.

All postdoctoral fellows must submit documentation to demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Non-US citizens selected for this position will be required to apply for an appropriate US visa. It is expected that the fellow will be present on campus in Philadelphia, where they will receive a workspace.

The University of Pennsylvania is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Submitting Your Application

Interested candidates should submit their CV, 2-3 reference letters, plus a cover letter describing their research experience and interests to Dr. Andy Tan (andy.tan@asc.upenn.edu). Applications are due by January 15, 2025.