| Full Description |
Position Description
The Department of Sociology at Vanderbilt University seeks a talented, highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in social networks, singlehood, medical sociology, aging, and quantitative methods. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the National Study of Older Never-Married Adults (NSONMA), which investigates social networks and health of older never-married adults. The successful candidate will work primarily with Dr. Lijun Song (PI) and collaborate with other investigators at Vanderbilt University, Boston University, and Indiana University Bloomington. This position will be affiliated with the Center for Research on Inequality and Health and the Social Networks and Inequalities Lab. This is a full-time in-person position requiring physical presence in Nashville, TN. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work in person at least 3 days per week. The twelve-month annual salary is commensurate with NIH salaries (see https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends). It also carries office space, health insurance, and eligibility for other benefits (see https://www.vanderbilt.edu/postdoc/faqs/). NSONMA has recently received two-year NIH R56 funding, which is available immediately. The position is open now, with the start date to be determined by mutual agreement.
Qualifications
By the start date, the successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in sociology, demography, gerontology, human development, public health, or a related field. Candidates should have expertise in survey methodology and data analysis, with preference given to those experienced in working with national survey data. Proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, SAS, and/or R, along with demonstrated experience in applying advanced statistical methods, is required, with additional preference given to candidates with network analysis skills. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, responsible, team-oriented, and creative, with strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Experience in research coordination and project management is also desirable.
Terms of Agreement
The candidate will participate in all aspects of NSONMA, including literature reviews, survey design and testing, data management and analysis, NIH grant writing and submissions, mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, as well as research dissemination, coordination, and project management. They will assist in overseeing the collection of new pilot data and contribute to the analysis of the new pilot data as well as secondary data. The candidate will also have the opportunity to lead and co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The position also includes funds for travel to conferences, research dissemination, and professional development. Additional professional development opportunities and mentorship will be available through participation in the seminar series in the Department of Sociology and the Center for Research on Inequality and Health. This position is renewable for a second year upon satisfactory performance. Our preference is for candidates to be able to spend two years in the role. The position ends on August 31, 2025. |
| Application Details |
Applicants should provide 1) a cover letter (describing interest in the position and indicating the earliest possible start date), 2) a research statement (describing the dissertation project, work in progress, professional goals, and plans for publication), 3) a CV, 4) an exemplar publication or working sample, and 5) the contact information of three references via Interfolio. Queries should be sent to Dr. Lijun Song at lijun.song@vanderbilt.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting immediately, and the process will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted online at: https://apply.interfolio.com/156643. |