Job Details

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Community-based Implementation Research

Position Number: 9962017
Location: Philadelphia, United States
Position Type: Medicine - Medical Researcher

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Community-based Implementation Research

Location: University of Pennsylvania - Honolulu, HI (remote work location)
Open Date: Nov 02, 2026
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Mentors: David Mandell, ScD & Kelsie Okamura, PhD, ABPP
Department: Psychiatry
Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Hawaii State Department of Health
Number of Positions: 1
Open to applications from U.S. permanent residents and citizens only.

The Penn Center for Mental Health (CMH) at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine invites applications for post-doctoral fellowships. This one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary training program at the intersection of implementation science, public policy, and mental health provides an excellent opportunity for social scientists to improve their knowledge of implementation science, behavioral economics, public mental health systems, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and how to conduct research that can address the needs of citizens at increased risk for mental and substance use disorders.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will support implementation research, applied implementation, and quality improvement initiatives. The fellow will work with existing community partnerships, including the Hawaii Department of Health, to conduct empirical research that benefits the community. The successful candidate will be able to navigate government and community agency systems, understand their own positionality and privilege in conducting research in underserved communities, and provide service to the community alongside research to support bidirectional learning and co-design. The fellow will also build and maintain their own program of implementation science research that aligns with the Center for Mental Health's values and mission, team initiatives, and community projects. This position is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Hawaii Department of Health. The blended funding gives the fellow a chance to gain experience with both NIH-funded research and state government contracts.

For more details on CMH faculty, resources, and projects, visit https://www.med.upenn.edu/cmh/

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop a program of research that advances implementation science in youth mental health
Actively participate in research project design, analysis, and reporting
Independently conduct mixed methods research studies
Coordinate and assist project staff with data collection, entry, and outcome reporting
Collaborate with community partners to prepare and write grant applications
Submit and present research at local and national forums
Supervise research assistant professional development through weekly meetings and goal setting

Qualifications
Education and Experience

Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Psychology, Social Work, or a related social service field from an accredited program
At least two years of experience with empirical research and program evaluation (supervised experience is acceptable)
At least one year of experience with program implementation, including evidence-based treatments, prevention, and/or education
Knowledge of child welfare, juvenile justice, and/or mental health systems
Experience using quality improvement strategies, using data to improve practice, and/or conducting translational research
Experience with mixed methods, large datasets, and statistical analysis in SPSS/R for quality improvement or evaluation purposes
Experience using online database systems and/or survey tools

Skills

Strong project coordination skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Comfortable collaborating with professionals from a range of fields
Oral and written fluency in English
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Meticulous attention to detail
Commitment to confidentiality and a high level of service in all interactions
Strong ethics and commitment to working in an integrity-driven environment
Commitment to cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit:

A cover letter addressing your experience related to the responsibilities above
A curriculum vitae
Two representative journal articles of your work
Three reference letters submitted

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/196851

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.