Postdoctoral Research Associate in Tobacco Prevention and Control

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Tobacco and Nicotine Control, Implementation Science, and Cancer Health Disparities

Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research (CeNTR) | Department of Public Health Sciences | UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA

About the Opportunity

The Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research (CeNTR), directed by Dr. Melissa A. Little, seeks a postdoctoral research associate with a background in tobacco control to join an NIH-funded team that develops and tests scalable, community-based interventions to reduce tobacco- and nicotine-related cancer disparities. CeNTR partners with community pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), schools, and military and Veteran health systems to reach populations that traditional cessation and prevention services often miss.

The postdoctoral associate will work closely with Dr. Little and be embedded in the Cancer Control and Population Health Program of the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. The initial appointment is one year, with two additional years of funding available contingent on performance and mutual fit. This is a three-year training pathway with the goal of launching an independent research career.

Research Environment

CeNTR's portfolio includes:

• Pharmacy- and FQHC-based cessation: Two NCI-funded R01s (R01 CA267963 and R01 CA309123) testing pharmacist-delivered tobacco treatment in rural Appalachian community pharmacies and in FQHC-affiliated pharmacies, including for people who smoke and are not ready to quit.

• Youth prevention: School-based and digital interventions to prevent tobacco and nicotine initiation among high school students (UP2U), including text messaging components.

• Emerging products: Research on nicotine pouches, including use patterns, perceptions, and harm-reduction beliefs among rural adults, adolescents, and military personnel, as well as basic science collaborations on their biological effects.

• Military and Veteran health: Long-standing work on tobacco use, policy, and cessation in military and Veteran populations.

• Translational collaborations: Partnerships across the Cancer Center and School of Medicine (including neuromodulation for nicotine craving and cancer biology).

Projects use implementation science frameworks (e.g., RE-AIM) and optimization designs (e.g., MOST factorial trials), and combine quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to:

• Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, with a target of first-authored publications each year

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of ongoing trials and pilot studies

• Analyze data from randomized trials, surveys, EHR/administrative sources, and qualitative interviews

• Contribute to NIH, foundation, and Cancer Center grant applications

• Develop an independent line of research within the center's scientific themes

• Collaborate with community partners, clinicians, and multi-site investigators

• Present at national and international scientific meetings

• Help mentor undergraduate, MPH, and medical student research trainees in the center

Training and Career Development

• Individualized mentoring plan: Weekly one-on-one meetings with Dr. Little, an individual development plan reviewed annually, and co-mentors matched to your interests (e.g., biostatistics, implementation science, health communication, or basic science)

• Grant training: Support in preparing an independent proposal, such as an NIH F32/K-series application, a foundation award, or a Cancer Center pilot grant

• Protected time for independent research, with funds available for pilot projects and conference travel

• Team science: Regular CeNTR team meetings and writing workshops, and access to Cancer Center programming and seminars

• Leadership and communication training through UVA Health and School of Medicine postdoctoral resources

• Track record: Dr. Little has mentored more than 65 trainees, including postdoctoral fellows, and her mentees regularly present and publish with her.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in public health, behavioral or social sciences, psychology, health communication, pharmacy, epidemiology, or a related field, completed by the start date

• Demonstrated experience in tobacco and nicotine control research, evidenced by publications, presentations, or dissertation/prior research work in this area

• Experience or strong interest in community-engaged research with underserved, high-risk, or diverse populations

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations

Strong applicants will have experience with at least one of the following: cessation trials, youth tobacco prevention, tobacco policy, or nicotine product surveillance (including emerging products such as nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes).

Preferred

• Quantitative skills, with proficiency in R, SAS, or Stata, and experience with longitudinal, clinical trial, or survey data

• Experience with qualitative or mixed methods

• Background in implementation science, cancer prevention, or intervention research

• Experience with pharmacy, health system, school, military/Veteran, or rural health research

• Familiarity with emerging nicotine products (e.g., nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes)

• Interest in digital or text-messaging health interventions

Candidates from all relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided they have a research background in tobacco or nicotine control. Applicants who are finalizing their degree requirements are welcome.

Appointment Details

• Start date:TBD

• Term: 1 year, renewable for up to 2 additional years contingent on performance and funding
• Benefits: UVA postdoctoral benefits, including health insurance and retirement options

• Location: Charlottesville, VA (on-site, with flexibility for hybrid work)

How to Apply

Please apply through Careers at UVA, and search for R0088318

Complete an application online with the following documents:

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Please upload all documents into the CV/Resume box:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position, your research experience (including your prior experience in tobacco or nicotine control research), and your career goals

• Current CV

• Writing sample or manuscript (optional but encouraged)

• Names and contact information for three references

Review begins [date] and continues until filled. The selected candidate must complete a background check and health assessment per University policy.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.