Postdoctoral Associate  

The Department of Epidemiology (http://epidemiology.phhp.ufl.edu/ ) at the University of Florida (UF) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join as a postdoctoral research associate, available immediately, in the area of digital epidemiology under the supervision of Dr. Yan Wang (https://epidemiology.phhp.ufl.edu/profile/wang-yan-2/ ). The Postdoctoral Associate will work with a multidisciplinary team of investigators on projects that focus on digital epidemiology, which is epidemiology research using digital data (specifically, we are referring to smartphone and sensor data here). The candidate will have the opportunity to work on multiple NIH-funded R01 and/or P01 projects focusing on cannabis or alcohol use (details can be found from Dr. Wang’s faculty page and lab page). The successful candidate will be expected to assist with intensive longitudinal data collection in various research projects using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and wearable sensors (alcohol biosensors, fitness trackers) as well as data analyses. Expectations include assisting data collection, performing statistical analysis, writing papers for publications, presenting findings at conferences, and submitting extramural funding proposals.

UF Epidemiology: The Department of Epidemiology is strategically situated within the College of Public Health and Health Professions (PHHP) and the College of Medicine. Faculty members are jointly appointed to create synergies and collective strength, resulting in a competitive research profile and highly trained students who receive exceptional exposure to diverse expertise. Our faculty and students have received numerous national awards in research and mentoring and are committed to excellence in training. The department offers an epidemiology PhD, Master of Science, and concentration in the MPH program. It is also home to two National Institutes of Health Training grants (T32). Faculty members are strongly supported by our college-level instructional design team for course development and delivery and by our research core for grant development and submission.

UF Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC): The postdoctoral fellow will also benefit from a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment at the SHARC center. SHARC is based at UF with research projects and initiatives across the state of Florida and the southeastern United States. The mission of SHARC is to improve health outcomes and reduce HIV transmission among the diverse range of populations affected by alcohol and HIV infection in Florida. SHARC fosters interdisciplinary translational research, training and community engagement. Funded primarily by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), SHARC is one of five national Consortia for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Research Translation (CHAART). Postdoctoral training will have excellent support in education and career development from the center’s T32 and UF CTSI KL2 grant designed to prepare trainees for a career in academia.

The Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research: Established in June 2019, the Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research conducts, shares, and supports research on the effects of medical marijuana on health conditions and symptoms. Led by a leadership team at UF, the Consortium engages public and private universities across the state of Florida. The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to engage in cannabis research related activities across the state of Florida through this consortium, such as access to statewide registry data, statewide cohort survey data, and other clinical research programs led by the consortium. 

The UF AI initiative: Artificial intelligence is the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative at UF that is combining world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research, and a transformational approach to curriculum. In 2020, UF received more than $50 million to invest in cutting-edge processing tools and training to build the most powerful Artificial Intelligence computer in higher education. Faculty and students now have access to the best AI technology on the planet, and the response from the UF faculty has been incredible. Researchers with existing AI expertise are accelerating their programs while others are quickly pivoting toward AI. The postdoctoral associate will benefit from the university’s AI curriculum/trainings and learning from AI experts on various research projects.

Additional Information: The University of Florida (www.ufl.edu ) is a comprehensive research-extensive university that includes a full range of academic departments and programs. The College of Public Health and Health Professions (www.phhp.ufl.edu ) is part of the University’s Health Science Center.  The UF Health Science Center (https://ufhealth.org/about-us ) is comprised of six health-related colleges located on a single, contiguous campus. They include the colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine.  The Health Science Center also partners with the immediately adjacent UF Health Shands Hospital, the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, and the UF Health Science Center Regional campus located in Jacksonville, FL. Additional major institutes and centers located at the University of Florida include the Emerging Pathogens Institute, the Institute of Child Health Policy, the UF Health Cancer Center, the UF Genetics Institute, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the McKnight Brain Institute, all of which provide state-of-the-art environments and access to large data sets for faculty collaboration.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.  Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.  Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

$56,484 annually; commensurate with experience level and in accordance with current NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines.

The position requires a PhD in epidemiology or related health science fields. 

Candidates should have a strong quantitative background and advanced computer skills and excellent writing skills in English and independent and critical thinking ability. Prior experience with EMA, biosensors, AI/machine learning models, and/or large cohort data will be a plus. Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as SAS or R is essential. 

Qualified applicants should submit an application, which includes a CV, a letter that describes research and career interests, and contact information for three references. Substantive queries may be addressed to Dr. Wang: ywang48@ufl.edu .

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.  A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff. We welcome nominations of and applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research, teaching, and clinical mission. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 TDD. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. Searches are conducted according with Florida's Sunshine Law.