Overview
The TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) of the NCI-Designated Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences (OUHSC) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship (typically a 2-year appointment) as part of an American Cancer Society Cancer Health Equity Research Center (CHERC) grant. The aims of the CHERC are to 1) address the root causes of cancer disparities in Oklahoma through multilevel interventions designed to address disparities in cancer preventive behavior and early detection by targeting key social determinants of health, and 2) provide health equity research training with the goal of increasing the quantity and quality of future cancer health equity research. CHERC research projects focus on cancer screening and early detection (prostate cancer, colorectal cancer) and tobacco prevention and cessation in populations that experience cancer disparities (i.e., African Americans, American Indians, and sexual/gender minoritized people). Ideally, candidates would aspire to become independent academic researchers in cancer health equity research. The starting salary is $67,000 per year + $5,000 annual travel and training fund. The position can begin as early as summer/fall 2025.
The fellow will work with CHERC investigators including Drs. Darla Kendzor, Amy Cohn, Mark Doescher, Jordan Neil, and/or Julia McQuoid. Mentors will be assigned based on interest match. The HPRC has unique resources including the Tobacco Treatment Research Program, the Mobile Health Shared Resources, the Tobacco Regulatory Science Laboratory (designed for the observation and measurement of tobacco use), and a Training Program for fellows and graduate/undergraduate trainees. View information about HPRC faculty and resources here: https://healthpromotionresearch.org/
There will be opportunities across the CHERC projects for fellows to contribute to interventional as well as observational research designs and to use quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. The fellow will be involved in data analyses, manuscript preparation, and other research activities for both completed and ongoing studies. Opportunities to lead an independent research project may also be available. Fellows will also take part in the formal HPRC/CHERC training program which includes seminars focused on cancer health equity research and career development. Qualifications include a doctoral degree in social/behavioral sciences, public health, psychology, or other relevant areas. Excellent writing skills required. Experience with tobacco and/or cancer screening research, diverse populations, and/or health disparities/equity research is preferred but not required.
Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae and cover letter stating research interests and career goals to Dr. Darla Kendzor – the PI of the CHERC and Co-Director of the TSET HPRC: Darla-Kendzor@ouhsc.edu The review of applications will begin in March 2025 and continue until the position is filled.https://healthpromotionresearch.org/About/Careers/post-doctoral-fellowship
About University of Oklahoma TSET Health Promotion Research Center
The mission of the TSET HPRC is to reduce the burden of disease in Oklahoma by addressing modifiable health risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, cancer screening, and risky alcohol and other substance use through research, novel intervention development, and dissemination of research findings. The HPRC is an integral component of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program of the NCI-Designated SCC and contains major resources that facilitate research including: 1) the Tobacco Treatment Research Program (TTRP), 2) the Mobile Health Shared Resource, 3) the Tobacco Regulatory Science Lab, and 4) the HPRC Training Program.
HPRC investigators have developed the InsightTM mHealth Platform which enables researchers to rapidly (i.e., within 1-4 weeks) create smartphone-based research studies that include ecological momentary assessments and sensor data (i.e., activity monitor, GPS, mobile carbon monoxide monitor) to identify environmental, cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral antecedents of health risk behaviors and deliver context-specific adaptive interventions in real-time. The mHealth resource is currently staffed by 6 computer scientists/engineers and 4 additional staff members. To date, the mHealth resource has supported 110 research studies including 60 studies funded by the NIH.
Oklahoma City (OKC) is the 20th largest city in the United States and rapidly growing. OKC has over 300 days of sunshine annually, affordable cost of living (e.g., $125,000 in OKC = $250,000 in San Francisco, $218,000 in Boston, $160,000 in Denver, $153,000 in Chapel Hill), excellent schools, and a wide array of cultural amenities. Forbes magazine recently ranked OKC as one of the TOP 3 cities to move to in 2024. OKC has thriving cultural, art, and music scenes, and has experienced considerable urban revitalization efforts over the past several years.
