"Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

The University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention is recruiting outstanding early-career research investigators to join a cohort of postdoctoral fellows who are part of an NIH-funded T32 training grant, Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training Program. The successful candidate will undertake an intensive post-doctoral training program for up to two years in which they will acquire core skills in research methods including analytic skill development, grant and manuscript writing, and project management through a combination of applied research and training on the prevention of firearm injuries. The training program prepares fellows for research independence and an academic career. They will work closely with mentoring faculty to identify a research focus and develop a career development and mentoring plan.

Successful candidates may come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and have prior experience working at any stage along the translational research spectrum or on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy). Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with interests of a faculty mentor. Candidates from all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply. We seek to engage talented researchers with wide ranging perspectives, research and life experiences to help further our mission.

The successful candidate(s) will have:

• Completed a doctoral degree program (MD, PhD, DrPH, EdD, or equivalent) by the starting date.
• Demonstrated commitment and interest in firearm injury prevention research.
• Research experience within any relevant discipline and work at any stage along the translational research spectrum or focused on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy).
• Interest in working with various populations.
• A strong desire to work with multi-disciplinary collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Note: Eligible applicants must be citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.

Fellows will work on active research projects of faculty mentors which cover a range of topics including the lifespan, urban/rural populations, and work with communities. Examples of research projects may include, but are not limited to, research focused on community firearm violence prevention, including built environment and community interventions, efficacy research on individual interventions (e.g., hospital based or community based violence prevention programs), policy research, implementation studies that translate evidence-based interventions for preventing suicide and violence in communities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, firearm injury prevention through technology and engineering, data modeling, national surveys and epidemiological research.

Compensation and Benefits

This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position includes:

• Annual compensation based on levels mandated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipend Levels.
• The University of Michigan's full standard benefit package including medical, dental, and vision as detailed here.
• Dedicated funds to support professional development opportunities including travel funds to scientific conferences, participation in technical seminars and course(s), and other research-related project expenses.
• Paid sick leave, vacation time, holidays, and additional benefits.
• Childcare stipend annually, if desired, in accordance with the National Institutes of Health notice.

A full overview providing general information about the benefits for postdoctoral research fellows can be found here.

Expectations

Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with research interests and experience of faculty mentors. This is a hybrid position; fellows are expected to actively engage in regular training program activities including research workshops, journal clubs, and educational seminars. They will present and share research findings in a range of settings including project/team meetings and scientific meetings and conferences. Fellows will complete self-paced coursework in the Science of Firearm Injury Prevention and complete technical training as recommended by faculty mentors. In accordance with NIH policy, fellows will participate in training on topics in the Responsible Conduct of Research and Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency. We anticipate each fellow will work with their primary and secondary mentors' research teams and be involved in manuscript submissions.

We are accepting applications for appointments beginning in summer or fall of 2026.

Materials and questions should be sent by email to firearminjuryprevention@umich.edu. Please use the subject line "Fellowship Application." Please submit:

• A written statement describing your research qualifications, experience and specific interest in firearm research, and long-term career goals (up to 3 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from your current graduate or clinical residency training program.
• Graduate-level academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• Two writing samples, preferably a copy of a previously published manuscript(s) and/or papers from a dissertation thesis.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until all positions are filled.