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Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow

School Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Department/Area Social & Behavioral Sciences

Position Description

The Population Wellness Lab (https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/denckla-group/) , led by Dr. Christy A. Denckla in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (https://hsph.harvard.edu/department/social-behavioral-sciences/) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, aims to understand the impact of adversity on human potential and well-being, as well as the mechanisms that appear to be protective. The lab focuses on the effects of trauma and adversity exposures across the lifespan, with a focus on bereavement as currently funded by a 5-year R01from the National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) to conduct research on the effects of social disruptions on mental and physical health outcomes across three longitudinal cohorts ( HPFS / NHS /NHS2). Dr. Denckla uses her training in clinical psychology and epidemiology to investigate: 1) biopsychosocial associations with response to trauma and bereavement; 2) how genes influence risk for posttraumatic psychopathology; and 3) structural and cultural determinants of well-being and mental health in national and global cohorts.

The postdoctoral research fellow will contribute to multiple research projects by engaging in the following activities: (1) ensuring adherence to data security and the responsible conduct of research guidelines; (2) conducting psychosocial and genetic data management, analysis, and interpretation; (3) engaging in manuscript preparation and submission; (4) grant writing and administrative components of grant submissions including drafting progress reports; (5) conducting literature reviews and summarizing large amounts of published material; and (6) project support tasks related to lab management such as project management, drafting and monitoring data transfer agreements, developing content for website, managing social media, and drafting proposals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Primary Research Activities (70%).

+ General Research Activities. Carries out independently, under supervision, and in collaboration, designated research tasks and projects, making use of selected methodologies (longitudinal designs, moderation and mediation, causal inference), library research (Pubmed searches, systemic review methods), and statistical analysis (data visualization, descriptive analyses, time series analyses, latent modelling, multilevel modelling).

+ Data Cleaning and Management. Engages both independently and under supervision in data management and data cleaning and organization in large (N~100,000) datasets, including the Nurses Health Study cohorts, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

+ Data/Statistical Analysis. Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms including R, SAS , Python, and MPlus.

+ Acquires Specialized Training. Attends trainings and skill development workshops as necessary to acquire new statistical skills.

+ Reporting Results. Submits periodic reports of project status to supervisor, regularly suggests additional tests or modifications in current procedures;

+ Manuscript Support. Collates, organizes, and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, progress reports, articles or other documents for publication and/or presentation including reference management, drafting manuscript sections, and managing publication submission;

+ Data Safety. Regularly monitors data safety protocols for adherence to best practices in the responsible conduct of research;

+ Responsible Conduct of Research. Engages in best practices for data management and reproducible research including use of commented code and R Markdown.

Project Support (30%)

+ General Support. Assists with project management tasks (e.g. website management, newsletter writing, email listserv management, social media management, IT support, etc.)

+ Other Responsibilities. Performs other duties as assigned. Provides back-up support to other Research Assistants and team members. Aid in the development of measurement tools and the creation and updating of repositories of well-being measures, resilience measures, and evidence-based interventions. The candidate will be encouraged and mentored in applying for early career awards and independent grant funding.

Basic Qualifications

The candidate should possess the following:

+ doctoral-level degree in public health, social sciences, or a related discipline

+ proof of successfully defending dissertation

+ strong research skills, including data collection, advanced analytical skills, and scientific writing

+ publication record, with significant contributions to peer-reviewed publications beyond thesis papers

+ ability to lead research teams and manage research projects, including supervising research staff, coordinating with administrators regarding budget and staffing, and ensuring research activities meet ethical guidelines

+ excellent planning, analytical, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions

Applications will be considered as they arrive.

Please note that letters of recommendation will be ONLY required for short-listed candidates.

Contact Information

For questions , please contact Maria LoSurdo at [email protected].

Contact Email [email protected]

Salary Range

$65,000—73,000 based on qualifications and experience

Minimum Number of References Required 2

Maximum Number of References Allowed 2

Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation\_statement.pdf) policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination\_and\_anti-bullying\_policies.pdf) . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions