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Population Science Postdoctoral Training Program

The postdoctoral program produces scientists who understand complex population issues and become leaders in population health fields. The program is structured around a close mentoring relationship between the training faculty and postdoctoral scholars, and is customized to fit the goals and interests of both. The majority of postdoctoral scholars who have completed their fellowship accept university teaching positions. Others hold positions in applied research settings.

Faculty Preceptors

Each postdoctoral scholar works closely with a faculty preceptor.  Prospective applicants should consult the list of CPC faculty fellows and contact potential sponsors to determine their availability and interest.

The program is currently led by Dr. Lisa Pearce (Sociology), who researches religious and family dynamics (especially relationships between the two) from adolescence through the transition to adulthood. She works alongside 50+ faculty fellows; together, they provide scholars with a strong grounding in population science through coursework, seminars, and workshops and a mentored research practicum that continues throughout the doctoral program. See all faculty mentors.

Program Requirements

Postdoctoral scholars work closely with their faculty preceptors to develop, carry out, and publish the results of research projects. They are expected to:

  • Report their research each year at CPC’s interdisciplinary workshop
  • Attend the annual meeting of the Population Association of America
  • Complete university and NIH required training in the Responsible Code of Research

Scholars may also audit relevant courses at the university with approval of their CPC preceptor(s) and permission of the course instructor.

Eligibility

Postdoctoral scholars must have received their PhD or earned doctoral degree in a population-related field of study before the start date of the traineeship. Applicants are evaluated on their previous research experience and relevance to population research, research productivity, and intellectual diversity.

Stipend and Benefits

CPC Population Science Postdoctoral Scholars are supported in a variety of ways, including:

T32 funded positions provide up to two years of training for postdoctoral fellows and include a stipend and financial support for travel to conferences. T32-funded positions requires successful applicants to be US citizens or permanent residents at the time of appointment. Non-US citizens can participate in the training program, but cannot receive funds from the T32 grant.

All scholars regardless of funding source are offered a workspace and computer.

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications for T32-funded postdoctoral positions. The initial term of appointment is one year, preferably beginning in July/August 2023 but no later than January 2024. Reappointment for a second (final) year of T32 support is expected. Application instructions are available here.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact cpc_tp@unc.edu.