Postdoctoral Scholar- Sociology and Demography

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 04, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding. POSITION SPECIFICS The Population Research Institute (PRI) at Penn State seeks TWO highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholars to work with Liying Luo, Associate Professor of Sociology and Demography, on an NIH-funded project on social determinants of later-life cognition and health conditions. Applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: (1) causal inference, mediation analysis, multilevel modeling, and/or administrative data (e.g., Medicare data), (2) health inequality among sociodemographic groups and across national contexts. The intended start date is September 1, 2025, but an earlier starting date is possible. About the position: The Postdoctoral Scholars will collaborate with Dr. Luo and an interdisciplinary research team to develop a multilevel framework and use it to understand the heterogeneous effects of socioeconomic factors, particularly education including cognitive skills, educational attainment, and educational contexts, on cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and the related biopsychosocial factors. Candidates will contribute to data analysis and co-authorship of research articles. This position is funded for one year from the start date, with the expectation of a second year contingent on progress, and potentially a third year pending funding availability. This is a hybrid position, but for training and engagement purposes, preference will be given to candidates who is willing to work on campus. The position provides salary and benefits based on training and expertise. The Postdoctoral Scholars will have office space in the Susan Welch Building and engage in PRI's professional development activities. Applicants may be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. International candidates may be sponsored on J-1 Research Scholar visas. Education and Experience: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in sociology, demography, public health, economics, or a related field. One ideal candidate will have a strong methodological training and expertise in causal inference, mediation analysis, and multilevel modeling. The other ideal candidate will have interest and experience in examining (mid- and later-life) health and health inequality among sociodemographic groups and/or across national contexts. Successful applicants must have the ability to collaboratively and independently plan, carry-out, and report findings from empirical research using advanced causal inference methods for analyzing longitudinal and administrative datasets. The successful hires must also have the ability to collaborate effectively with members of interdisciplinary research teams. The Postdoc Scholars will also play a primary role in the production and dissemination of research findings (e.g., manuscript development and scholarly conference presentations). Excellent organizational, writing, and verbal communication skills are required. Application Materials: To be considered for this position, please submit a completed application as one pdf file the following materials in the following order: A brief (2 pages max) cover letter A short (3 pages max) statement of research interests, experience, and methodological training A current curriculum vitae An example of scholarly writing Contact information for 3 professional references (name, current position title, telephone number, and e-mail address) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. 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