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Health Policy Implementation Postdoctoral Scholar
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: September 11, 2026
Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
DESCRIPTION
The Community Health & Innovative Policy (CHIP) Laboratory, led by Dr. Denise Payán in the Department of Health, Society and Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Scholar for a 20% full-time equivalent (FTE) appointment during the 2026–2027 academic year. The position corresponds to an average of approximately 8 hours per week.
The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with Dr. Payán and members of the CHIP Laboratory on research examining health policy development, implementation, and evaluation, with particular attention to state and local policy and the factors that shape policy implementation and outcomes. Research projects may span multiple areas of public health and health policy and may employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.
The primary responsibilities of the position will involve manuscript development, literature synthesis, grant and proposal development, and collaboration on ongoing health policy research projects. The scholar will have opportunities to contribute substantively to peer-reviewed publications and research proposals while participating in an interdisciplinary health policy research environment.
The successful candidate will be expected to work independently with guidance from the principal investigator and collaborators; contribute intellectually to health policy implementation research; synthesize scientific and policy literature; contribute to manuscript and proposal development; and help advance dissemination of research findings for academic and policy audiences.
Application Process:
1) Cover letter: Include a brief description of relevant experience and training, interest in health policy implementation research, and career goals.
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Research statement: Up to two pages, single-spaced, with 1-inch margins
4) Professional references: Contact information for three professional references
5) Writing sample: one peer-reviewed writing sample, working paper, or dissertation chapter
For more information, please contact Dr. Denise Payán at dpayan@uci.edu
Qualifications
Qualifications: Qualified candidates with a Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or another related social, behavioral, or population science field are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise or demonstrated interest in health policy implementation, policy evaluation, implementation science, or state and local policymaking, as well as strong scholarly writing and research skills.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Health Policy, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or another related social, behavioral, or population science field.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in health policy research, particularly policy implementation and/or evaluation.
• Strong scientific writing, literature synthesis, and analytical skills.
• Training or experience with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
• Ability to contribute effectively to peer-reviewed manuscripts and research proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
- 3 required (contact information only)
About UC Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
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APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.