Postdoctoral fellow in the social and ethical implications of precision medicine for dementia

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Jul 24, 2025

The Penn Program on Precision Medicine for the Brain (P3MB), co-located in the Departments of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, seeks a full-time postdoctoral fellow.

The highly collaborative and interdisciplinary P3MB research lab seeks to identify and understand the interrelated clinical, ethical, and policy implications of applying precision medicine to the brain and to translate these discoveries into practice. Current work explores treatment-related decision making by patients living with cognitive impairment and their care partners; supported decision making for persons across the trajectory of cognitive decline; and development of "preclinical" therapies. The group uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to empirical study and also does conceptual work.

The fellow will work under the supervision of researchers in P3MB and their colleagues from across the University, affording the opportunity to work with collaborators both at Penn and other institutions.

This is a 12-month position with a desired start date of fall 2025. Renewal for an additional year, contingent upon funding and success, is planned.

Qualifications

The applicant should have a doctoral-level degree in a relevant field, such as anthropology, sociology, STS / history and sociology of science, bioethics, or philosophy. A strong candidate will have experience conducting qualitative research; conceptual research skills are desired but not necessary. Excellent writing skills are essential. Interpersonal and communication skills are of course necessary as the candidate will work closely with collaborators.

The ideal applicant will have significant experience conducting qualitative research. The lab has a particular interest in persons skilled in the analysis of qualitative data to generate social-scientifically informed explanations of complex issues related to dementia care (e.g., mind and mind perception, treatment decision making, development and use of biomarkers).

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should upload the following materials:

• CV
• Cover letter or personal statement (two pages maximum)
• Writing sample (published or unpublished; must be solo or first-authored)

References will be requested for applicants who move on to interviews.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Email Kristin Harkins (kristin.harkins@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) with any questions.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/129171