Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position in Maternal Health Disparities

Under the direction of the principal investigator, Dr.Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, the postdoctoral fellow will help lead publications investigating the role of SMM and COVID-19 on adverse maternal health outcomes and other related health outcomes.

Researchers at the Tufts University, School of Medicine announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow with a focus on reducing racial disparities in severe maternal mortality (SMM) in Black women under the NIH R01 grant “Reducing Racial Disparities in SMM Post COVID19: Assessing the Integration of Maternal Safety Bundles and Community Based Doulas to Improve Outcomes for Black Women.”

Project Summary

There is a paucity of research examining the intersection of race, ethnicity, maternal safety bundles, doulas, and maternal outcomes in Black women at increased risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. This mixed-methods study is the first systematic investigation of pregnancy complications and outcomes among Black women with whom maternal safety bundles are being implemented including racial disparities, hemorrhage, and hypertension. Additionally, through the analysis of secondary state level data, this study will examine perinatal care, maternal outcomes, and healthcare utilization of Black women at increased risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality compared with non-Latino white women. Finally, through individual interviews with Black women and focus groups with obstetric health providers and doulas, the study will examine disparities and improve care by creating and disseminating a set of practice recommendations for maternity care for Black women at increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Role

The postdoctoral research fellow will help address issues related to SMM, health inequities and adverse maternal health outcomes. The project employs an array of methods including rigorous quantitative approaches involving large datasets and qualitative research methods to accomplish the research objectives. The role of the fellow would be to assist with the implementation of the quantitative analyses and be part of the broader research team to support the qualitative work.

The postdoctoral fellow will gain experience in data management of large data sources, support data analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant proposals. The fellow will have opportunities to author papers and have dedicated time to prepare their own grant proposals. As a result, the fellow will have a well-rounded and robust preparation for future scientific and career endeavors. People who identify with groups which are under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply as a diverse research team with strengthen this work.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold or complete a doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent) before the position starts. We encourage applications from fields including but not limited to public health, maternal and child health, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and data science. Experience in Stata, R, SAS, or SPSS is required. Research fellow must have strong quantitative skills, be detailed-oriented, and willing to implement and / or learn novel approaches in advanced epidemiology, data science, and REDCap as needed. Methodological expertise in longitudinal analysis, secondary data sets and experience in community-based participatory research are highly desirable.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, writing sample and/or published paper, CV and names of three references. Applicants should submit their applications as one PDF in an email entitled “Postdoc application” to Dr.Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha at ndidiamaka.amutah_onukagha@tufts.edu  and CC Judith Jeanty, MPH  at judith.jeanty@tufts.edu Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. The earliest start date is January 2022. Salaries are competitive and will be commensurate with the NIH payscale for postdoctoral research fellows.

Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

*Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.