Description

The Population Studies Center at the University of Pennsylvania seeks to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position on an NIA-funded project investigating trends and determinants of US-born and foreign-born mortality. We seek a researcher with expertise in demographic and statistical modeling and mortality analyses. PhD in demography, sociology, economics, epidemiology, or closely related fields is preferred. The Fellow will work in close collaboration with Professors Irma Elo and Michel Guillot at Penn. The Fellow will also collaborate closely with Professor Neil Mehta and his colleagues at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The Fellow will benefit from a robust mentoring environment designed to provide expert training and support and to foster progress toward becoming an independently funded researcher. The position is contingent on continued funding from the National Institute on Aging. 

The Fellow would also have access to computing and other research resources available at the Population Studies Center (https://www.pop.upenn.edu/). In addition to the Penn post-doctoral stipend

(https://research.upenn.edu/news/new-minimum-stipend-levels-for-postdoctoral-researchers-for-fy2026/) and the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan 

(https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-compensation/postdoctoral-researchers-and-fellows), the fellow will receive funding for travel to present results in professional meetings.

Qualifications

Successful applicants should have

      A doctoral degree by the beginning of the fellowship

      Strong interest in demographic analyses of mortality

      Experience with R, STATA, Python, or SAS/SQL is required

      Must qualify for Census Bureau’s Special Sworn Status, if already qualified is a plus

      Ability to work independently and collaboratively and work on several research projects simultaneously

      Attention to detail and high standards for work quality

How to Apply

Applicants should submit (1) a Cover Letter describing qualifications, relevant experience, and why they are interested in this position and (2) CV including names of 2-3 references. Please send the application to Professor Irma Elo (popelo@pop.upenn.edu). 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A Selection Committee will review all applications, and selected applicants will be invited for an initial online interview. The appointment is expected to be for two years, pending reasonable progress and continued funding from the National Institute on Aging. The position will begin in the summer or early fall of 2026. Questions regarding the position can also be directed to Professor Elo. 

Requirements

Responsibilities

The postdoc fellow will participate in every stage of the research process with an excellent research team led by senior researchers. Major responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 

      Leading research initiatives

      Performing data analyses in a Federal Statistical Research Data Center

      Preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals 

      Presenting research at professional meetings and conferences 

      Completing training in the ethical conduct of research