Postdoctoral Fellow - Behavioral Science

Dr. Jane Montealegre in the Department of Behavioral Science is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to lead the qualitative research component of several implementation needs assessments for novel cancer screening technologies. This is a training opportunity for an aspiring early‑stage investigator focused on advancing health equity through implementation science and qualitative methodologies. The fellow will be instrumental in the design, execution, analysis, and dissemination of critical research findings that will directly inform the uptake of cutting‑edge cancer prevention strategies.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

• Develop qualitative data collection instruments (e.g., interview guides) for the implementation needs assessment for novel cancer screening technologies.
• Independently conduct and manage qualitative data collection for several implementation needs assessments, ensuring the timely completion of the required number of interviews and focus groups required by each grant.
• Lead the qualitative data analysis and deliver thematic framework and comprehensive summary of key implementation barriers and facilitators.
• Submit a minimum of two (2) first‑author, peer‑reviewed manuscripts derived from qualitative implementation needs assessments data to high‑impact journals.
• Develop and present qualitative research findings via oral or poster presentations at a minimum of two (2) national or international scientific conferences (e.g., AACR, Implementation Science Conference).
• Complete the development and submission of an investigator grant application (e.g., K‑award, K99/R00 equivalent, or an institutional early investigator mechanism) derived from the fellowship research and aligned with the fellow's long‑term research goals.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., Sc.D., DrPH) in Behavioral Science, Public Health or a closely related field. Candidates must have completed their doctorate before the start date.
• Qualitative Expertise:
  Demonstrated knowledge and prior experience designing, conducting, and analyzing qualitative data (e.g., semi‑structured interviews, focus groups).
• Writing
  
  Skills:
  
  Record of peer‑reviewed publications showcasing strong scientific writing ability.
• Subject Interest:
  Strong interest in cancer prevention and control, health disparities, health technology implementation, and/or behavioral science.

MD Anderson offers full‑time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

According to the University’s affirmative‑action policy, all qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment regardless of these protected statuses.