An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Wayne State University (WSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a National Cancer Institute–funded project examining racial disparities in communication processes in genetic counseling sessions. The project includes a rich dataset of over 200 video-recorded and transcribed clinical encounters between patients and genetic counseling providers, along with corresponding survey data from both patients and clinicians. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will play a key role in conducting content analyses of the encounter transcripts and integrating qualitative findings with quantitative survey data to inform the development of future communication interventions. We welcome applicants who bring creative methodological ideas for analyzing clinical communication and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have an appointment at UVA but will have opportunities to collaborate with investigators across the three universities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead qualitative content analysis of clinical encounter transcripts
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative data to address key research questions
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team across institutions
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and intervention development
• Mentor graduate students or research assistants, as appropriate

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in social psychology, health communication, linguistics, public health, or a related behavioral or social science field

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in qualitative or mixed-methods research
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Experience with content analysis, discourse analysis, or related qualitative approaches is desirable
• Interest in health communication, cancer prevention, or health disparities research

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This position has funding through July 2027.

This position is fully remote and may be performed outside of Charlottesville, VA within the United States, in alignment with UVA’s remote work guidelines. The research team holds an annual in-person retreat that all key personnel are required to attend.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after December 20, 2025.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0078821. Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter describing your research interests and relevant experience
• Up to three representative publications

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Nao Hagiwara, nh6ty@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

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