Rural Health Policy PostDoc

The School of Public Health Division of Health Policy and Management is seeking applications for a full-time Rural Health Policy Post-Doctoral Associate (9546 Post-doctoral Associate).

Pay is tied to the NIH standard postdoctoral salary ($62,232USD annually in 2025)

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 offers the option for remote or hybrid work. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: Rural Health Research Center, 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 350, Minneapolis TC Campus - East-bank

We are currently accepting applications for one rural health policy postdoctoral associate position beginning on or after September 1, 2026. There is some flexibility regarding the start date.

The focus of the current position is on childbirth-related care and the health and well-being of rural residents who are pregnant and those who give birth, as well as their infants. The supervisor for this postdoctoral associate will be RHRC Co-Director, Dr. Katy Backes Kozhimannil.

We will begin reviewing applications following the application due date: Friday, March 13, 2026.

At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (RHRC), we conduct policy-relevant research to improve the lives of rural residents and families, to advance population health, and to enhance the vitality of rural communities. The Rural Health Policy Postdoctoral Program supports professional development of researchers as they pursue the following goals:
1. Conduct research to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies that advance population health, with a focus on rural communities.
2. Utilize quantitative methods, data management and analysis skills, and large secondary datasets, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on rapid-turnaround policy-relevant research products.
3. Study the impacts of policies that affect health care access, quality of care, and population health outcomes across the lifespan.
4. Conduct research that centers rural communities, and communicate findings to policymakers and the general public, highlighting the way that policy decisions can influence individual, family, and community health in rural areas.

The primary goal of this program is to train scholars who will become innovative research leaders in rural health. The postdoc will receive mentorship and support from the RHRC leadership and staff and closely collaborate on projects.

The postdoc will be expected to be a core member of a research team for a one-year national-scope rural health-focused project (Sep-Aug) that is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. During the first year of the program, the postdoc will have an opportunity to provide input to shape a one-year project to be implemented during the second year of the program. Results from these two projects will be published as peer-reviewed manuscripts and/or publicly available policy briefs, and disseminated at rural-relevant conferences. RHRC's work is characterized by rapid turnaround, policy-relevant, rigorous research that informs state, federal, and institutional decision-making and improves the health of rural communities (70%).

The postdoc will also be expected to develop and implement an independent rural health policy research project or analysis that is relevant for rural people or communities in Minnesota (30%). The specific focus and methodology of this project will depend on the expertise and interest of the postdoc, but may include quantitative analysis, qualitative data collection and analysis, and/or policy- or community-engaged work.

This is a two-year position, with the second year of funding being contingent on successful completion of the first. This is a 100% FTE position over a 2-year period using standard NIH postdoctoral salary; professional development funds to attend a training or national conference each year are also available.

Postdocs must have (or will complete before the scheduled start date) the following requirements:
* Graduated from a doctoral program with a focus in health policy, public health, demography, geography, sociology, public policy, or a closely-related discipline.
* Training and demonstrated excellence in quantitative methods/statistics, including analysis of survey data, claims data, and/or vital statistics data; our research needs focus on quantitative analysis of secondary data.
* Ability to conduct rigorous research collaboratively and efficiently in a fast-paced, policy-relevant, community-engaged environment.
* Experience with data analysis or research in the field of maternal and child health is preferred, but not required.

At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (RHRC), we are a dedicated team of experts that conducts research and implements programs to improve health and well-being for rural people and communities. Rural residents' lives are deeply impacted by policy decisions, and our work aims to illuminate both the health challenges in rural communities and the health resources in rural places. Our work is informed by the lived experiences of rural people, families, and communities that experience disproportionate health risks and exhibit disproportionate resilience. We study access to and quality of health care and population health outcomes in order to build the evidence base for policymaking. We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in research and to communicating results to academic and policy audiences as well as to the people and communities to which our research pertains.

The Rural Health Policy Postdoctoral Program is supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota. It is housed in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. The funding for this fellowship comes from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, grant UM1TR004405.

Pay Range: Pay is tied to the NIH standard postdoctoral salary ($62,232USD annually in 2025); depending on education/qualifications/experience

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

Please note: Currently, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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.

In your application documents, please include:
* Cover letter
* CV
* Writing sample
* Names and contact information for three references.

Letters of reference will be requested from those selected for an interview.

Application Due Date: Friday, March 13, 2026.

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.

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