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Clinical & Translational Science Institute / Funding / Population Health Fellowship

 

Population Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship

This fellowship aims to produce interdisciplinary researchers trained in team science and competency-based skills who can conceptualize research across the translational continuum from basic research through population health. Over the course of one year, postdocs develop and complete a population health research project within an existing research program and participate in didactic and hands-on training experiences on site at the University of Rochester.

The UR CTSI aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment that guides and transforms our approaches to healthcare, education, research and community partnerships. Through this fellowship, postdocs are mentored by an interdisciplinary team with members in population health, basic science, and at least one mentor from another CTSA hub or University of Rochester partner institution. Postdocs will develop and complete a population health research project within an existing research program and participate in didactic and hands-on training experiences on site at the University of Rochester. The program allows up to three in-person or virtual rotations of 2-8 weeks, with at least one rotation in a research or community setting at a different translational level from that of the trainee’s background. With an Individual Development Plan, training is customized to each fellow. 

The program also leverages existing University of Rochester infrastructure including the UR CTSI, Institute for Data Science, Center for Biomedical Informatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Center for Community Health and Prevention, and other training resources.

Fellows choose one of three tracks: 

  • Electronic Health Record as a Resource for Research 
  • National, Regional, and Local Database Analytics
  • Population Health Behavior Change

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be within three years of completing their doctoral degree
  • Have a solid track record of published research with at least one first authored publication
  • Be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residency by the time of appointment (per NIH conditions) 

Strong data analytic skills are desirable.

Foreign research components that involve travel or expenditures outside of the US and its territories are not permitted under the conditions of this award.

Funding Amount

Funding is at the NIH/NRSA stipend level. Duration of postdoctoral fellowship: 1 year.

Important Dates

  • Applications due: March 22, 2024
  • Funding starts: July 1, 2024

Contacts

For questions, and for referees who prefer to submit their letters separately, please contact Deborah Ossip, Ph.D., director of the Population Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. 

Apply

Complete submission must include:

  • Cover letter
  • Personal statement describing the population health track of interest and relevant experience
  • One-page concept paper for a project
  • Identified University of Rochester primary mentor
  • Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Three letters of reference including the primary mentor letter of support
    • All letters of reference: Please upload three (3) Letters of Reference, along with the Letter of Support from your Primary University of Rochester Mentor. Should your referees prefer to submit their letters confidentially, please let them know they may forward their letters to Dr. Deborah Ossip, TL1 Postdoctoral Fellowship Director, at deborah_ossip@urmc.rochester.edu, with "TL1 Postdoc Letter of Reference [Referee's last name]" in the Subject line of the email. 
    • Special instructions for primary mentor letter: Please share the following instructions with your primary mentor: The Primary Mentor Letter should include: 1) evaluation of the applicant's qualifications, 2) agreement to serve as primary mentor and to meet with the applicant at least twice/month during the postdoc year, and 3) agreement to provide space (e.g., shared office) and a computer/laptop for the postdoc year. Proposed mentors are welcome to contact Dr. Ossip with any questions.  

Ready to Apply?

Start Application
The University of Rochester and the UR CTSI are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. The University believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and our ability to fulfill our important missions.  The University is committed to fostering and supporting a workplace culture inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other non-merit fact, so that all employees feel included, equal valued and supported.

Scholars and Projects

Current Fellows

Abdi Gudina, Ph.D.
Understanding Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening Uptake in Wilmot Catchment Area
Funded in 2023

Past Fellows

Jahaira Capellan Ph.D., M.S., R.N.
Parent-Child Food Interactions and Factors Impacting Obesity in Puerto Rican Children
Funded in 2023

Winner - Change Maker Award, 2024 Presidential Stronger As One Diversity Awards

Learn more about Capellan's award-winning research and professional practice.

Nancy Cardona-Cordero, Dr.P.H. 
Using MundoComm for analyzing social determinants of health role in vulnerable populations
Funded in 2019

Jessica Francis, Ph.D.
Digital inequalities and the impact of emerging technology use on older adults’ well-being.
Funded in 2018
Learn more about Dr. Francis' research. 

Ruthmarie Hernandez, Ph.D.
Smoking cessation, risk factors (mental health/psychological distress) and mobile engagement in Hispanic/Latino smokers
Funded in 2021

Ying Meng, Ph.D., RN. 
Improving the delivery of care and reduce health outcome disparities in primary care settings with a focus on prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Funded in 2017
Learn more about Dr. Meng's award-winning research

Anita R. Peoples, Ph.D., M.P.H. 
Clinical research in cancer populations examining biomarkers, risk factors, and effective interventions associated with cancer and its treatment-induced adverse health outcomes.
Funded in 2017

Gretchen Roman, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D.
Evaluating the well-being of remote sign language interpreters, as well as barriers and facilitators to their remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded 2021

Liane M. Schneller, Ph.D.
Determining flavor category preferences among consumers of various tobacco products, using Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Waves 2 and 3 data. 
Funded in 2019 

Supported by the University of Rochester CTSA award number TL1 TR002000 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.