"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Evidence Synthesis in Meditation and Integrative Health Intervention Research - PH 347"

Dr. Shufang Sun, Associate Professor at Brown University School of Public Health and Brown Alpert Medical School and Associate Director of the Mindfulness Center, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead data extraction, analysis, and writing of an NIH-supported evidence synthesis project (MetaCIH) that aims to build a public-facing living review of RCT data of meditation studies, conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses across various populations, meditation interventions, and outcomes, and making reviews and meta-analyses more accessible to conduct for scholars and stakeholders.

The duration of the position is at least 1 year (100% FTE), with possibility of renewal depending on funding and satisfactory progress. Specifically, the postdoctoral research associate will work with Professor Sun, her team at Brown University, and a team of investigators from institutions across the U.S. and international institutions to support this project. MetaCIH is an NIH-funded network center grant, and it is designed to evaluate and synthesize evidence for complementary and integrative health (CIH) interventions, and in this phase we are focusing on over 3,000+ studies that are eligible for meta-analysis focused on meditation interventions. As new findings emerge, MetaCIH efficiently synthesizes information across PICOs (populations, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes), evaluates innovative models, and fosters timely reviews and meta-analyses. MetaCIH also provides policymakers, healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders with reliable insights to improve health and promote integrative care approaches. More information on MetaCIH can be learned here (https://metacih.metapsy.dev/) and on NIHReporter.

Responsibilities of the postdoctoral fellow include: (a) oversee data extraction, data management, and data cleaning of the meditation RCTs, including coding of PICOs and effect sizes; (b) collaborate with Dr. Sun and other members of the lab to conduct meta-analysis and network meta-analysis based on priority papers; (c) draft manuscripts as first author or assist paper preparation as co-author for peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations; (d) actively participate in lab meetings, project meetings, and contribute to a lab environment that emphasizes collaboration, community co-learning, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge and resource sharing. The postdoctoral scholar should also have a good understanding of AI and its roles in assisting systematic reviews.

Providence, RI is the capital city of the state of Rhode Island. The metro area population of Providence in 2025 is 1,217,000. The Amtrak/MBTA trains offer close access to metropolitan cities including Boston and New York.

PhD, ScD, or DrPH in Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or other related field. The successful candidate will have (a) a strong background and prior experience in leading and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis; (b) strong interest in meditation research; (c) strong statistical skills and programming skills (experience with R is particularly desirable); (d) a background or prior experience in AI, computer science, or AI’s role in systematic reviews; (e) strong interpersonal and program management skills; (f) peer-reviewed publications.

Visas: For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Candidates should apply with a cover letter (summarizing research experience, qualifications, and career goals, as well as addressing the reasons for their interest in the position, along with curriculum vitae, and sample publication or equivalent. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community. Candidates should apply online via Interfolio. Please indicate in your letter of application the search number (PH #347). Candidates should also provide the names and email addresses for three individuals familiar with their work who can be contacted for recommendations. Only those applicants who are selected for interviews will be directly contacted. For any questions, please contact Professor Shufang Sun at shufang_sun@brown.edu