Postdoctoral Fellow, Implementation Science, UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies

Assist in the development and refinement of semi-structured interview guides, focus group protocols, and qualitative data collection instruments for clients, providers, organizational leaders, and community partners.

Participate in site visits to conduct interviews, focus groups, implementation observations, and organizational assessments.

Systematically document implementation barriers and facilitators, intervention adaptations, implementation strategies, fidelity, and de-implementation activities using established implementation science frameworks.

Conduct qualitative data management, coding, thematic analysis, memoing, and synthesis using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo or similar platforms).

Integrate qualitative findings with quantitative results to support mixed-methods analyses and interpretation of implementation, client, and service outcomes.

Contribute to rapid-cycle evaluation reports, continuous quality improvement activities, implementation toolkits, and recommendations for practice improvement.

Assist in the preparation of learning collaborative materials, implementation briefs, technical reports, and cross-site summaries for HRSA HAB, ITAP, and participating implementation sites.

Support dissemination of project findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, technical reports, and other scholarly products.

Provide qualitative and implementation science technical assistance to participating implementation sites, as appropriate.

Collaborate with investigators, project staff, and community partners to promote high-quality implementation science research, dissemination, and translation of findings into sustainable HIV care practices.

This position provides advanced postdoctoral training in implementation science, mixed-methods evaluation, qualitative research, HIV services research, and multi-site program evaluation while supporting a national implementation science initiative aimed at improving linkage, engagement, and retention in HIV care.

This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit eligible, unranked/non-tenure track academic position.

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, ScD, or equivalent) in public health, health services research, implementation science, behavioral or social sciences, nursing, social work, epidemiology, or a closely related field by the anticipated start date. ABD may be considered.
• Experience conducting health-related research with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through scholarly manuscripts, presentations, reports, or other dissemination products.
• Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, project staff, community partners, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel to participating implementation sites for interviews, focus groups, observations, organizational assessments, and other project activities.

Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Application Materials
To be considered, you must complete the application at https://www.umkc.edu/hr/careers/ including Legal Name, US employment eligibility, and current contact information.

Upload all application materials....

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter/Letter of interest describing the applicant's interest in the position and relevant experience in HIV research or practice, implementation science, mixed-methods research, and community-based participatory or community-engaged research
• Names and contact information for three professional references

If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

For questions about the position, please contact Joey Lightner, PhD MPH at lightnerj@umkc.edu include the Job Identification number 61123.

Official transcripts will be required if a contract is extended.

Handling of Application Materials
After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Application Deadline
For full consideration, applications should be received by October 31, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information
Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team and to contribute positively to team-based projects.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, technical reports, or other research products.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Demonstrated potential for continued scholarly growth and development as an independent researcher.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and contribute reliably to complex, multi-site research projects.
• Experience working with community partners, healthcare organizations, patients, or other stakeholders in research or evaluation activities.
• Interest in developing expertise in implementation science, mixed-methods research, HIV services research, and community-engaged research.
• Experience contributing to manuscript development, abstracts, conference presentations, grant-related products, or other forms of scholarly dissemination.
• Demonstrated initiative, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn new methods and substantive areas.
• Potential to develop a coherent program of research that builds on the training and mentorship opportunities available through the fellowship.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.