We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join NIA/NIH-funded research projects of two longitudinal studies of aging, the Project Talent Aging Study (PTAS) and the Project Talent Twin and Sibling (PTTS) Study. Each of these studies fielded recent late-life follow-up assessments of a large cohort of adolescents that began in 1960. Key aims of PTAS and PTTS are the study of early life family and environmental influences, individual factors (e.g., personality, social, cognitive ability), and genetics in predicting adult socioeconomic and psychosocial characteristics, and later life cognitive and physical health.
The PTAS / PTTS team includes researchers at the University of Southern California, Chapman University, Columbia University, the American Institutes for Research, and other universities across the U.S.. The postdoctoral researcher would be mentored by investigators at the University of Southern California (USC) and Chapman University in Southern California.
We are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following areas of expertise: (1) the role of early life socioeconomic and other factors on life course health, (2) the role of education and occupational complexity on late life cognition, (3) cognitive aging, (4) behavioral genetics, and (5) statistical methods for longitudinal data analysis. This position will provide an opportunity to transition to career independence through research with the PTAS, PTTS, and other longitudinal studies of health and aging, extensive data analysis and publication opportunities, and mentorship in grantsmanship and professional development. Salary and benefits are consistent with those of NIH postdoctoral fellows. The appointment is for 1-2 years contingent upon performance and funding.
Qualifications: A PhD in Psychology, Gerontology, or a related field by the start of the postdoctoral position; less than five years of postdoctoral experience. The ideal candidate will have strong methodological and statistical skills, peer-reviewed publication experience, and an ability to work independently as well as thrive in a collaborative team environment. Our group meets regularly by videoconferencing. Relocating to Southern California is desirable to take full advantage of mentoring and other training opportunities, but is not required.
To apply: Please submit a (1) cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) example publications, and (4) the names of three individuals willing to provide letters of recommendation upon request to Carol Prescott (cprescot@usc.edu) or Tara Gruenewald (gruenewa@chapman.edu). The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled with a preferred start date of June or July 2020.
USC and Chapman University are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race/ethnicity, gender identity or sexual preference. We welcome applications from members of groups under-represented in academia. The position is open to international applicants.