Postdoctoral Fellow - Dept of Health Behavior and Policy

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Post Doctoral employees are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health,vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, significant paid-time off,12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/postdoctoral-employee-benefits/

Position Summary and Primary Responsibilities:
The Department of Health Behavior and Policy in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research fellow. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Jessica LaRose on several research projects related to obesity, cardiometabolic health, and cancer. The fellow will receive training and experience the design and conduct of behavioral clinical trials, with opportunities for advanced training and applied experiences in community-engaged research and digital health trials based on interest. This position also provides ample opportunity for mentorship and training in grant writing and data dissemination (e.g., manuscripts, community report back events, policy briefs). The fellow will develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in close collaboration with Dr. LaRose to ensure their training and professional development goals are fulfilled, and considerable emphasis will be placed on developing their independent line of research. This position is contingent upon grant funding. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible with preferred start date June 1, 2023.

Minimum Hiring Standards:
Doctorate in behavioral sciences, psychology, nutrition, health sciences, exercise science, public health, or related field by the start date of the appointment
Expertise and training in obesity and / or cancer required, with a strong preference for community-engaged research experience
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including a track record of scholarly publications and presentations
Candidates should have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU.
Applicants with interests or experience partnering with economically disadvantaged adults, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, and / or young Black women to promote health and wellbeing are strongly encouraged to apply.

ORP Eligible: Yes

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.