Job Details

Postdoctoral Fellow in Adversity and Health at the University of Pennsylvania's Population Studies Center (PSC)

Position Number: 9815052
Location: Philadelphia, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Postdoctoral Fellow in Adversity and Health at the University of Pennsylvania's Population Studies Center (PSC)

Location: University of Pennsylvania
Open Date: Sep 10, 2026
Deadline:

The Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH; https://www.MLSFHresearch.org) at the University of Pennsylvania seeks applicants for a postdoctoral researcher to support a NICHD funded 5-year project on Adversities, Health and Resilience in Early Adulthood. This novel project builds on a quarter-century of social and contextual MLSFH data. Starting in 2017, the project captured prospective data from a new cohort of over 2,000 MLSFH children as they moved through adolescence. They are now entering young adulthood, and the next phase of the project will examine how earlier childhood adversity influences sexual, reproductive and mental health, and how it is transmitted across generations to their children. The new study will provide unparalleled insights into how adversities exert lasting impacts across the life course and across generations, and identify key resilience processes that can inform policies

The postdoc will work closely with Hans-Peter Kohler (hpkohler@sas.upenn.edu) at the University of Pennsylvania, Rachel Kidman (Rachel.Kidman@stonybrookmedicine.edu) at Stony Brook University, and other MLSFH collaborating partners in the USA and Malawi.

The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to engage in this innovative MLSFH project from in its analyses stage. Through this project, the postdoctoral fellow will gain access to newly collected 2026 data that provide exceptional research opportunities and facilitate long-term career building.

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume/CV, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation via apply.interfolio.com/193194

Responsibilities include:

Analyze longitudinal MLSFH data on the adolescent/young adult cohort to estimate the impacts of adverse childhood experience (ACEs) on health both across the life course and across generations
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary and international research team 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

The University of Pennsylvania is committed to creating a community of students, scholars, and staff that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We create working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we value dynamic interactions and thoughtful discussions, and strive for an environment where everyone is supported and valued. For information on the School of Arts and Sciences' inclusion and anti-racism initiatives, please see: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/2020-inclusion-and-anti-racism-initiatives

Qualifications
Qualifications

Ph.D. in epidemiology, economics, demography, sociology, psychology and/or related fields
Interest in global health, childhood adversity, sexual and reproductive health and/or life course analyses
Skills in quantitative data and econometric/statistical analysis
Excellent English verbal and written skills
Strong organizational skills and ability to establish priorities to meet deadlines
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary setting with an international research team

Application Instructions
To apply, please submit cover letter, resume/CV, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation via apply.interfolio.com/193194

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/193194

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.