Postdoctoral Research Associate - Virginia Memory Project

About the role

The Virginia Memory Project seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the registry's scientific, mentoring, and operational goals. The postdoc will split time among three core areas: mentoring and supporting PhD students engaged in aging and health services research; managing day-to-day program operations and partner coordination for the VMP; and pursuing an independent program of scholarship typical of a postdoctoral research role.

The Virginia Memory Project (VMP) is the first expansive, web-based brain health registry in the Commonwealth of Virginia, linking de-identified data from the Virginia All Payer Claims Database with self-enrollment survey data to build a comprehensive picture of dementia prevalence, caregiving, and brain health across the state.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and provide research supervision to doctoral students working on aging, dementia, and health services research.
• Train doctoral students and research assistants in registry data management, quantitative and qualitative analysis methods, and manuscript development.
• Serve as a secondary mentor or committee member on dissertation and comprehensive exam committees as appropriate.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Virginia Memory Project registry, including data workflows with the Virginia All Payer Claims Database and coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements for state contracts and grant-funded work.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research using VMP registry data and related aging/health services datasets.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at regional and national conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Health Sciences, Gerontology/Geriatrics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, including data management and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across research, clinical, and community partners.

Preferred qualifications include research experience in aging, dementia, or health services/registry science, experience mentoring or supervising students or staff, familiarity with administrative claims data or public health surveillance systems, and experience with grant writing, contract management, or multi-site program coordination.

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU.

Pay

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Schedule

This is a 12-month appointment, renewable annually contingent on funding and performance.