Posted Date:
Position Description
The School of Nursing at the UT San Antonio Health Science Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on chronic illness management (e.g., cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias [ADRD]) among older adults and their caregivers, as well as digital health research addressing non-medical determinants of health.
The fellow will join a collaborative, well-funded research environment supported by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this role, the fellow will contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative, human-centered, technology-enabled, and family-focused interventions designed to improve patient and caregiver outcomes in real-world clinical practice. The position provides a rich training environment with strong mentorship and is intended to support the fellow’s transition to an independent, externally funded research career.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of research studies related to chronic illness management, caregiving, and technology-augmented interventions
Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations
Participate in grant development, including preparation of fellowship and career development applications (e.g., NIH F32, K-series)
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across nursing, medicine, public health, and data science
Engage in research meetings, pilot projects, and program development activities
Contribute to mentoring and training activities, as appropriate
Training and Career Development
The position includes structured mentorship and career development aligned with NIH research training pathways, including:
Individualized mentoring and career development planning
Participation in grant writing workshops and faculty writing groups
Opportunities to develop independent or pilot research projects
Support for submission of NIH fellowships (F32) and career development awards (K-series)
Exposure to clinical trials, digital health interventions, and implementation science approaches
Position Requirements
Qualifications
Required
Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in nursing, public health, psychology, sociology, social work, health informatics, or a related field, completed prior to start date
Demonstrated interest in chronic illness management (e.g., cancer, ADRD, autoimmune diseases), aging, caregiving, social determinants of health, digital health intervention, or related areas
Strong written and verbal communication skills with evidence of scholarly productivity
Strong training in research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods)
Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
Preferred
Research focus aligned with cancer survivorship, aging, brain health, caregiving science, or related areas
Prior experience with grant writing or involvement in funded research projects
Experience with intervention research, clinical trials, digital health, or community-engaged research
Interest in pursuing an academic or research-intensive career
How to Apply
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
Curriculum vitae
One to two writing samples (e.g., publications or dissertation chapters)
Contact information for three references
To apply or ask questions, please contact:
Dr. Lixin Song (songl2@uthscsa.edu)
Vice Dean of Research & Scholarship
Director, Center for Smart and Connected Health Technologies
Hugh Roy Cullen Endowed Professor
Nancy Smith Hurd President's Chair in Geriatric Nursing & Aging Studies
School of Nursing
Helpful links for applicants:
UT San Antonio Health Science Center School of Nursing: https://uthscsa.edu/nursing/
Smart Center (Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies): https://uthscsa.edu/nursing/research/smart-center-home
All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.