Postdoctoral Associate in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases in Yale University – USA

Summary

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available at the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health. The role is a one-year, full-time, renewable appointment, starting March 15, 2026. The successful candidate will work on a five-year NIDA-funded project focusing on the illicit drug supply in Connecticut, under Professor Robert Heimer. Responsibilities include fieldwork, community-based drug checking, administering surveys, and data analysis, integrating community and wastewater testing results. Applicants must hold a PhD, preferably in epidemiology or health data sciences, and have experience with biostatistical applications and working with marginalized communities. The deadline for applications is February 11, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health
Position Type	Postdoctoral Associate
Discipline	Epidemiology
Research Area	Microbial Diseases, Substance Use, Infectious Diseases, Illicit Drug Supply, Public Health
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Experience working with marginalized communities, especially people who use drugs; research experience working with people who use drugs and community organizations that serve this population; proficiency in biostatistical applications.
Salary	Based on the Yale Postdoctoral Compensation policy
Funding	NIDA-funded project
Contract Duration	One year, full-time, renewable contingent upon performance and funding
Deadline	2027-02-11
Required Documents	Cover letter describing research interests and interest in the position, Curriculum vitae, Contact information for two references, Research or job market paper (preferred but not required)
Employer Address	New Haven, CT, USA

About the Project

The research project is a five-year NIDA-funded initiative led by Professor Robert Heimer, aiming to understand the nature of the illicit drug supply in Connecticut. It involves two main components: community-based drug checking in five Connecticut locations, where samples from community members who use illicit substances will be tested using a portable Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and surveys will be administered. The second component involves wastewater testing conducted by colleagues. The postdoctoral associate will integrate and analyze both community and wastewater testing results, focusing on data preparation, coding, and implementation of analyses. There is also an opportunity to collaborate on modeling study data to identify spatio-temporal patterns.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Dr. Heimer in organizing community-based drug checking in five Connecticut locations
• Test samples provided by community members using a portable Fourier transformed infrared spectrometer (FTIR)
• Administer surveys to participants
• Manage the chain referral system for recruiting participants
• Integrate and analyze community and wastewater testing results
• Prepare data tables and figures for presentation and manuscripts
• Contribute to manuscript drafting and revisions
• Potentially work with co-investigators on modeling study data to identify spatio-temporal patterns
• Potentially contribute to the development of new grant applications

Required Skills

• Proficiency in a range of biostatistical applications
• Experience working with marginalized communities, especially people who use drugs
• Research experience working with people who use drugs and community organizations that serve this population (preferred)
• Ability to drive to sites in Connecticut outside New Haven (essential)

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a PhD, preferably in epidemiology or health data sciences, who are interested in public health research at the intersection of substance use and infectious diseases. Applicants should have experience working with marginalized communities, particularly people who use drugs, and be proficient in biostatistical applications. A car is essential for travel to field sites in Connecticut.

Benefits

• Support for further training
• Research presentation opportunities
• Opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team approach to public health research

About the Employer

Yale University School of Public Health is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. It seeks to attract qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and does not discriminate based on various protected characteristics as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated start date for this position?

The anticipated appointment date is March 15th, 2026.

What is the duration of the contract?

The position is a one-year, full-time role, renewable contingent upon performance and funding.

What specific research project will the Postdoctoral Associate work on?

The Postdoctoral Associate will work on a five-year NIDA-funded project that seeks to understand the nature of the illicit drug supply in Connecticut.

Are there any specific travel requirements for this position?

Yes, having a car to drive to sites in Connecticut outside New Haven is essential for fieldwork.

What kind of support is available for professional development?

Support for further training and research presentation opportunities is available.

How will the salary be determined?

Salary will be based on the Yale Postdoctoral Compensation policy.