Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Center Study of Family Health and Well UTK

Job Description

The Center for the Study of Family Health and Well-being at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship to begin September 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). This is an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. This position is intended for an innovative early-career scholar whose work addresses the structural mechanisms that lead to persistent disparities.

We are seeking a candidate who utilizes rigorous quantitative methods to explore the dynamics of structural inequality, economic disparities, and/or health outcomes within the context of families.

The Selected Fellow will pursue an independent research project that advances our understanding of how institutional and structural forces shape family life and population health. We are particularly interested in research that examines:

• Structural & Economic Inequality:
  Analyzing how stratification, labor market shifts, or policy changes impact poverty and income inequality between and within families.
• Health Disparities:
  Investigating the social determinants of health and the processes through which systemic inequalities produce disparate physical, mental health, or physiological outcomes.
• Children's Well‑being:
  Exploring the role of structural inequality on children’s well‑being (broadly defined).

• Working closely with the Center’s Director on research projects.
• Developing and executing an original, quantitative research project aligned with the Center's mission.
• Publishing high-impact findings in leading peer‑reviewed sociological, demographic, or public health journals.
• Engaging with the Center’s interdisciplinary community through seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Presenting research findings at major national and international professional conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. in Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Demography, or a related social science field (must be completed by the start date).
• Experience:
  
  Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • A strong research record or high potential in the study of structural inequality, families, health, and/or poverty.
  • Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative methods, such as longitudinal data analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, causal inference, or the analysis of large‑scale administrative and survey datasets.
  • Ability to work independently while coordinating interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status.

• Experience:
  
  Prior experience with grant‑writing and securing external research funding.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Experience with state/county‑level data.
  • Familiarity with map‑making software/programs (e.g., ArcGIS, R, STATA, etc.).

• Location:
  
  Knoxville, Tennessee
• Hybrid

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 - $65,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

• Cover Letter:
  Outlining your research background, methodological training, and interest in the Center.
• Research Statement: A description of your proposed independent project (max 3 pages) focusing on structural inequality, economic disparities, or health outcomes.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing Samples:
  Two representative publications or dissertation chapters.
• References:
  Contact information for three professional references.