Rural Health Equity Post-Doctoral Associate

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression and welcomes you to join us in our pursuit of building equity and driving justice. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our School, including those who are American Indian, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, and those from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The School of Public Health Division of Health Policy and Management is seeking applications for a full-time Rural Health Equity Post-doctoral Associate (9546 Post-doctoral Associate).

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This position has the option to work remotely. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: Rural Health Research Center, 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 350, Minneapolis TC Campus - East-bank

Duration: This is a two-year position, with the second year of funding being contingent on successful completion of the first year.

We are currently accepting applications for one rural health equity postdoctoral associate position beginning on or after September 1, 2025.

Annual Salary: Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels.

• Postdoc No Experience: $61,008
• Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $61,428
• Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $61,884

A travel stipend to attend a national conference each year will also be made available.

We will be prioritizing applications that are received by Friday, March 21, 2025.

At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (RHRC), we conduct policy-relevant research to improve the lives of rural residents and families, to advance health equity, and to enhance the vitality of rural communities. We invite scholars from diverse backgrounds to apply for the RHRC's Rural Health Equity Postdoctoral Program. The program will support the professional development of researchers who can address critical gaps in knowledge by doing the following:

1. Conduct research to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policy that advances health equity in individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on rural areas and geographic inequities.
2. Study the impacts of institutional and governmental policies that affect health care access, health care quality, maternity care, social drivers of health, systems of care and services, and/or population health outcomes across the lifespan from infancy to older adulthood.
3. Focus and engage with rural populations that face structural barriers to good health outcomes, including the following: communities of color, Indigenous people, women and girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes.
4. Conduct research in partnership with communities, and communicate findings to policymakers and back to communities, highlighting the impact of decisions for individual, family, and community health.

The primary goal of this program is to train scholars who will become innovative research leaders in rural health. The postdoc will receive mentorship and support from the RHRC leadership and staff and closely collaborate on projects.

The postdoc will be expected to be a core member of a research team for a one-year national-scope rural health-focused project (Sep-Aug) that is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. During the first year of the program, the postdoc will have an opportunity to provide input to shape a one-year project that they could lead or co-lead during the second year of the program. Results from these two projects will be published as peer-reviewed manuscripts and/or publicly available policy briefs, and disseminated at rural-relevant conferences. RHRC's work is characterized by rapid turnaround, policy-relevant, rigorous research that informs state, federal, and institutional decision-making and improves the health of rural communities.

The postdoc will also be expected to develop and implement an independent rural health equity research project or analysis that is relevant for rural people or communities in Minnesota. The specific focus and methodology of this project will depend on the expertise and interest of the postdoc, but may include quantitative analysis, qualitative data collection and analysis, and community-engaged work.

Required:

Postdocs must have (or will complete before the scheduled start date) the following requirements:

• Graduated from a doctoral program with a focus in health policy, public health, demography, geography, sociology, public policy, or a closely-related discipline.
• Training and demonstrated excellence in methods/statistics, including analysis of survey data, claims data, and/or qualitative data; our research needs focus most on quantitative analysis of secondary data.
• Ability to conduct rigorous research efficiently in a fast-paced, policy-relevant, community-engaged environment.

Preferred:

• Individuals with a focus on racial equity, including rural Black and Indigenous people, are especially encouraged to apply.
• Experience with data analysis in a US Census Research Data Center and US Census Special Sworn Status are preferred, but not required.

About our Center

At RHRC, our dedicated team of experts conducts research that is informed by the lived experiences of people, families, and communities that experience increasing racial and economic disparities centered on place. Centering on diverse perspectives, we continually work to educate ourselves on the particular strength and resilience of rural people, Indigenous people, and communities of color. We study access to and quality of health care, social drivers of health, institutional and structural barriers, and population health outcomes to build the evidence base for policymaking and system transformation that improves overall health and well-being. Our work focuses on eliminating inequities based on geography and place, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, and ability. We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in research and to communicating results broadly to inform policy, research, community, and individual decision-making.

The Rural Health Equity Postdoctoral Program is supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota. It is housed in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. The funding for this fellowship comes from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, grant UL1TR002494.

Pay Range: depending on education/qualifications/experience

Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels.

• Postdoc No Experience: $61,008
• Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $61,428
• Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $61,884

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

In your application documents, please include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Writing sample
• Names and contact information for three references.
• Letters of reference will be requested from those selected for an interview.

Application Due Date: Friday, March 21, 2025.

Any questions related to the position can be directed to Katie Rydberg at reedx472@umn.edu.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).