Postdoctoral Opportunities

Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications in the Social, Medical, and Economic Demography of Aging

Objectives

The purpose of this postdoctoral research training program, sponsored by a training grant from the National Institute on Aging, is to provide rigorous training in the general fields of social, medical, and economic demography of aging. The program focuses on five substantive areas:

1. biodemography, including indices and models of aging, vitality, and frailty,
2. health disparities (by race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status) among the elderly;
3. international comparative studies of the health of aging populations in both developed and developing countries; 
4.  important life course transitions (e.g., family changes, work and retirement, morbidity and disability) that relate to the health and well-being of aging persons; and
5. the economics of aging.

This postdoctoral program is administered jointly through the Duke Population Research Institute (DuPRI), an interdisciplinary research organization of Duke University, and the Department of Sociology. It is directed by DuPRI members Linda K. George, Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, and Kenneth C. Land, John Franklin Crowell Professor of Sociology and Demography and Director of the Center for Population Health and Aging.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in one of the social, behavioral, or policy sciences before beginning the fellowship. Training in demography or a commitment to acquiring such training in the postdoctoral appointment is essential. Fellows will be selected on the basis of academic excellence, prior record of accomplishments, potential to bring diverse ideas and experience in demography to Duke University, ability to interact successfully with a broad range of faculty members, and compatibility of research and interests with a sponsoring mentor. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Application Information

Applicants should send a letter of application, curriculum vita, and samples of research writings electronically to Administrative Director, Heather Tipaldos, Duke Population Research Institute; email: heather.tipaldos@duke.edu. In the letter of application, please describe your research interests, an appropriate mentor for your training, and what you would hope to accomplish during your postdoctoral fellowship. Also required are three letters of recommendation. We prefer to receive recommendations via email.

Application Deadline

Postdoctoral appointments typically occur between May 15 and August 31, although there is some flexibility. Electronic applications must be received by Monday, January 28, 2013.  If additional slots are available, we will review late applications after March 1, 2013.

Terms and Expectations

Postdoctoral Fellows will be expected to develop and carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor affiliated with DuPRI and to attend a weekly DuPRI seminar. Fellows normally are appointed for two years. Stipends range from $39,264 to $54,180 with the level determined according to National Institutes of Health guidelines that take into account years of research experience. In addition, Fellows receive grants for training related expenses (including health insurance costs and participation in research conferences and workshops) of $7,850 per year.