Post-Doctoral Associate

The School of Public Health division of Health Policy and Management is seeking applications for a full-time Post-doctoral Associate (job code 9546) position with Dr. Zang's lab.

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression and welcomes you to join us in our pursuit of building equity and driving justice. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our School, including those who are American Indian, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, and those from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The postdoc will be formally mentored by Dr. Xiao Zang and will engage in projects related to simulation/mathematical/decision analytical modeling and cost-effectiveness analysis for harm reduction and other interventions aimed at preventing drug overdoses (primary focus). Additionally, the fellow may engage in HIV-related intervention modeling if interested. The postdoc will have opportunities to lead the development/adaptation of simulation models (e.g., microsimulation, compartmental and agent-based model), engage in the development of decision support tools, contribute to grant-writing, interface with public health and health system decision-makers, and disseminate results at stakeholder meetings and professional conferences.

Duration: This appointment is for 1-3 years, with a possible extension to year 4, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Starting Date: July 1, 2025 or later. This job opening will remain open until filled.

Annual Salary: Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels.

• Postdoc No Experience: $61,008
• Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $61,428
• Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $61,884

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This position has the option to work hybrid. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: Mayo Memorial Building, 420 Delaware Street SE, TC East Bank Campus

Description for Zang's lab: Dr. Zang's lab focuses on applying quantitative modeling methods to address critical public health challenges, particularly in health equity, HIV/AIDS prevention, and harm reduction strategies for drug overdose prevention. The lab combines decision-analytic modeling, economic evaluation, and quasi-experimental methods to evaluate and optimize public health interventions. By developing modeling, analytical, and decision support tools, Dr. Zang's team collaborates closely with public health agencies and local partners to inform effective, equitable, and sustainable policy decisions.

Required Qualifications

* PhD degree in decision science, health services research, operations research, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, informatics, or other relevant fields
* Evidence of research productivity in mathematical modeling, decision analysis, and/or data science
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written communication
* Proficiency in coding models in the R/Python programming language
* Ability to work independently as well as a member of a research team

Preferred Qualifications

* Interest in pandemic response and/or infectious disease modeling
* Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
* Experience partnering with public health and/or health care organizations
* Experience with code packaging, GitHub, and Shiny App development

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions and 29 internationally recognized centers and is home to roughly 1,025 students, 130 tenured/tenure-track and contract faculty, and 450 staff. SPH is a research powerhouse: #1 level of research funding per capita at UMN, #3 largest research portfolio at the UMN, #2 NIH funding among UMN schools and colleges, and $1.1M average grant funding per faculty member. The school is ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, #6 public school of public health, and offers more than 20 leading master's, doctoral, and certificate programs, with its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program ranked #2 and its Biostatistics program ranked #9.

Pay Range: Based on NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels. (depending on education/qualifications/experience)

• Postdoc No Experience: $61,008
• Postdoc 1 year of Experience: $61,428
• Postdoc 2 years of Experience: $61,884

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position requires that you attach:

* Cover letter
* Curriculum vitae
* Graduate transcripts
* Contact information of at least two referees.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).