Location
University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine
Open Date
Oct 19, 2026
Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an NIH-funded research program focused on improving outcomes for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The fellow will contribute to the development and validation of the Social and Psychological Outcomes Tally (SPOT), a novel patient-centered measure of social and psychological quality of life designed for individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia and their caregivers. This multidisciplinary project integrates psychometrics, behavioral science, health services research, qualitative methods, and dementia care to create tools that can guide clinical decision-making and care planning. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, psychometric modeling, manuscript preparation, grant development, and collaboration with clinicians, patients, caregivers, and community stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have training in psychology, public health, epidemiology, health services research, gerontology, biostatistics, or a related field, with interests in aging, dementia, patient-reported outcomes, caregiving, and measurement science. This position offers outstanding opportunities for scientific publication, interdisciplinary mentorship, and career development in dementia research.
The postdoc will work closely with Shana Stites (https://pennmemorycenter.org/who-we-are/staff/shana-stites-psyd-ma-ms/) at the University of Pennsylvania and other collaborating partners.
The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to engage in this innovative project from participant recruitment through data collection and analysis. Through this project, the postdoctoral fellow will gain access to a range of foundational and advances research skills alongside exceptional research opportunities that facilitate long-term career building.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent in psychology, epidemiology, economics, demography, sociology, and/or related fields
- Interest in Alzheimer’s disease, aging, mixed methods, and/or aging
- Skills in quantitative data and statistical analysis, skills also in qualitative analyses a strength
- Excellent English verbal and written skills
- Excellent reasoning skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to establish priorities to meet deadlines
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary setting with a multidisciplinary research team
Responsibilities
- Assist with study recruitment and data collection
- Support analyses of cross-sectional and longitudinal data
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary national and international research teams and with community stakeholders
- Disseminate research findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings
- Draft manuscripts for scientific publication
- Provide technical and written assistance on grants for NIH and other external funding
Note. No funds are available to support visa sponsorship.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit cover letter, resume/CV, writing sample, Dissertation Abstract, and two letters of recommendation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
