Postdoctoral Position Available at CISS
Postdoctoral Position at Center for Innovation in Social Science, Boston University
Project: HEAL: Health Equity at the End of Life through Community and Policy Action
The research study HEAL is seeking a postdoctoral scholar for the one-year period of September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Under the supervision of Dr. Deborah Carr (Department of Sociology and Center for Innovation in Social Science, Boston University) and Dr. Lucie Kalousová (Department of Sociology and Center for Medicine, Health and Society; Vanderbilt University), the postdoctoral scholar will contribute to a research study investigating racial disparities in end-of-life experiences and the role of Medicare in mitigating these disparities. This interdisciplinary position is located at CISS in the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University. The HEAL project is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should have expertise in survey methodology and data analysis, and outstanding writing skills. We welcome applications from candidates with a PhD in sociology, demography, epidemiology, gerontology, biostatistics, or related fields. Applicants should have experience in the quantitative analysis of survey data and/or administrative data, an interest in using qualitative or mixed-methods, and enthusiasm for developing their skills in public science communication.
The successful candidate should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, responsible, team-oriented, and creative, with excellent data analytic, interpersonal, written communication, and organizational skills. The candidate will be mentored by the PIs and will have the opportunity to lead and co-author manuscripts and conference presentations. Additional professional development opportunities and mentorship will be available to them through programming at CISS.
Responsibilities will include:
– Assist with analysis of quantitative survey and administrative data, focused primarily on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) as well as other national surveys with measures on end-of-life topics such as end-of-life planning, hospice, or care.
– Assist with the communication of study results to the public and at scientific meetings
– Assist with mentoring HEAL undergraduate and graduate student research assistants
– Attend regular meetings of the HEAL investigators, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students.
– Collaborate with Dr. Carr and other HEAL investigators on drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Benefits will include:
– A twelve-month salary of $70,000. Health benefits are provided. The position is located on the Charles River Campus of Boston University.
– A shared office at CISS.
– Annual $1,500 conference travel budget
This is an in-person position based in Boston, MA. A hybrid/online only option may be available for truly exceptional candidates only. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States by July 1st, 2026. The HEAL project is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization.
Application Instructions
Please send to Dr. Deborah Carr: (1) a cover letter describing reasons for applying to the position (1 page), (2) a research statement describing interests and methodological expertise, in relation to the current opportunity (2 pages), (3) a CV that includes email contact information for three references, (4) 1-2 exemplar publications; and (5) the names and contact information of three professional references. Please submit packet as a single PDF. Application must be received no later than July 15, 2026. Applications and inquiries should be sent to Deborah Carr (carrds@bu.edu).
About Boston University
Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has more than 4,000 faculty members and nearly 34,000 students, and is one of Boston’s largest employers. It offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates, and medical, dental, business, and law degrees through 17 schools and colleges on three urban campuses. The main campus is situated along the Charles River in Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, while the Medical Campus is located in Boston’s South End neighborhood. BU is a member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education and the Association of American Universities. It is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.”
Invitations are invited from all qualified persons. CISS is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and affirming work environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.