Postdoc Opportunity in ADRD Recruitment Science

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR ANNOUNCEMENT

We seek a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our interdisciplinary team at the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging located in downtown Los Angeles. The scholar would have the opportunity to work on the emergent field of recruitment science and its intersection with health disparities and dementia research. The National Institutes of Health have identified the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in ADRD research as a significant challenge to the prevention, treatment and care of neurocognitive disorders in the U.S. The USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging seeks qualified candidates who are committed to addressing this scientific gap and building research capacity in recruitment science and ADRD health disparities. This includes documenting the evaluation of practice related to recruitment science from engagement to active participation in observational and clinical trials. 

All work will be conducted in collaboration with Executive Director, María P. Aranda, PhD. The candidate will be expected to develop a research agenda that focuses on examining diversity, recruitment and retention in aging research with a specific focus on brain health, ADRD, family caregiving, and workforce development.  In addition, the candidate would be expected to engage in the following activities (but not limited to):

• develop and evaluate practical and innovative approaches to recruitment and retention of participants, study partners, and family caregivers

• focus on recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups, e.g., racial/ethnic minorities with an additional focus on Latinx populations, low SES, and low health literacy

• cultivate networks with communities of practice with community stakeholders, NIA ADC-affiliated sites, and providers

• develop workforce training related to innovative recruitment and retention approaches

• apply rigorous program evaluation and qualitative methods

• collaborate on scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conference(s)

• assist with grants development and research operations

Experience

• Robust practice knowledge and experience of ADRD participant recruitment and retention from normal volunteers to ADRD-affected persons and families

• Strong interest and familiarity in collaborating with diverse community stakeholders such as community residents, elected/appointed officials, health and social services providers, scientific community, private industry, etc.

• Prior experience in conducting program evaluation and qualitative research

• Prior experience writing and submitting high quality academic papers and research grants

• Bilingual-English/Spanish is preferred

Requirement
Applicants must have completed their PhD or doctoral equivalent within the last 5 years; must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent residence, or a foreign national with a current work permit. Selected candidates will be required to provide official documentation from the institution that issued the degree prior to the appointment.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have earned a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree by the time of appointment or within the last five years in social work, gerontology, medicine, nursing, psychology, or related health services research field. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from under-represented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, women, sexual minorities, first-generation, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

To Apply
Interested candidates can submit the following information to Iris Aguilar, iaguilar@usc.edu 1) Cover letter that discusses: (a) related practice experience, (b) copy of a research course paper; and (c) future career plans; (2) Curriculum Vitae; and (3) Two letters of recommendation. A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled

The University of Southern California is proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding men and women of every race, creed and background.