K233001
Mentor: Dr. Gareth Dutton, Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine
The Division of Preventive Medicine (DOPM) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is recruiting a post-doctoral research fellow to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of behavioral-social scientists studying lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions. These behavioral intervention trials focus on the development, evaluation, and translation of evidence-based interventions to clinical and community settings as well as promoting health equity by targeting historically marginalized populations. We seek a talented and highly motivated individual interested in developing their skills to support a research career as an independent scientist of behavioral interventions applied to cardiometabolic health promotion.
This is an exciting full-time post-doctoral training opportunity to carry out collaborative, interdisciplinary behavioral intervention research focused on dietary modification, physical activity promotion, and other lifestyle behaviors to improve cardiometabolic health. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to work on multiple completed and ongoing NIH-funded behavioral weight management and health promotion trials. They will also assist with writing and submitting NIH grants on these topics.
The fellow will receive training in the context of a productive interdisciplinary team of investigators and other trainees. The fellowship will provide robust experiences in grant writing and project management as well as opportunities for leading and co-authoring manuscripts and scientific presentations. In addition to ongoing studies, the fellow will have access to several datasets from recently completed behavioral intervention trials and observational studies. This training will also include opportunities to collaborate with community-based, non-academic partners to conduct translational intervention studies.
Further, the postdoctoral researcher will have access to the stellar research training environment at UAB, including but not limited to the NIH-funded Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC), Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Forge AHEAD Center (Achieving Health Equity Across the Deep South), and numerous other university-wide centers. The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to build a foundation for their independent line of research with support for grant submissions, publications, conference travel, and career development activities.
Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The position includes a competitive full-time benefits package. Multiple internal grant mechanisms exist for the postdoctoral researcher to enhance funding for their own line of research. Postdoctoral researchers are eligible to participate in numerous education and skills-based training through various programs and centers at UAB.
Qualifications
1. Eligible candidates will have earned a doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent terminal degree) in behavioral/social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology), public health, nutrition, exercise science, or a related field.
2. An emerging record of research in behavioral interventions, cardiometabolic conditions, and/or health equity as evidenced by scholarly productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations).
3. Demonstrated interest in developing research skills and goals for pursuing a research-intensive academic career.
4. Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
6. High level of effective time management and personal initiative.
7. A demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
8. Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills. Methodological training and/or experience in conducting randomized trials or behavioral interventions are desirable.
9. Experience providing mentorship or supervision to students is desirable but not required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may send their CV and cover letter to Christina Florkiewicz (
Cover letter should summarize previous research experience, qualifications, career goals for postdoctoral training, as well as reasons for their interest in the position and this focus/area of research, and expectations/needs during fellowship.
Candidates should also provide the names and contact information for at least three references who can comment on the individual’s scholarly abilities, areas for growth, and future potential in research.
Application Deadline
This position will remain open until a qualified applicant is found.
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity, and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.
