Postdoctoral Fellowship in Learning Health Systems Research
Request for Applications
LeaHD, the Learning Health Systems Training to Improve Disability and Chronic Condition Care Center, is seeking applications for a postdoctoral fellow who seeks to become a learning health systems scientist focused on disability and chronic condition care improvement. A learning health system scientist is embedded in a health system, conducting research to improve health system operations, quality, and health outcomes. The goal of this research is for patients to receive higher quality, safer, and more efficient care, and health care delivery organizations become better places to work.
The LeaHD Postdoctoral Fellowship in Learning Health Systems Research
In collaboration with the Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research (CGHCR) at the Brown University School of Public Health, LeaHD is accepting applications for an in-residence, post-doctoral fellow to conduct learning health system (LHS) research. The post-doctoral fellow will receive formal training and expert mentoring while in residence at the CGHCR in Providence and will be embedded with a selected LeaHD health system partner to conduct LHS research.
Mentoring: The LHS Fellow will be matched with an academic mentor and an on-site health system mentor through alignment of research interests and health system priorities. Academic mentors will proactively track and advise the Fellow’s academic development, health system engagement, and research activities. The health system mentor will facilitate operational engagement with the site.
Core training: LeaHD provides mentored professional development that emphasizes experiential training grounded in a competency-based curricula. The LHS Fellow will join other LeaHD LHS Scientists in a training program that includes core didactic activities and individualized training activities, such as training in responsible conduct in research, PCORI Methodology Standards, and planning for dissemination and implementation. Trainees will participate in regular peer-mentoring and “works in progress” meetings, AcademyHealth presentations, and a workshop in grant writing.
Individualized training activities: The LHS Fellow and their mentors will identify additional coursework, conferences, and workshops to address remaining gaps or targeted skills through development of an individualized training plan (IDP).
Embedded Research Partnership: The LHS Fellow will conduct embedded research within a health system. Health system engagement is critical to help identify, design, and implement an LHS project that meets the priorities of the health system and is feasible to conduct during the training period. The health system mentor will work with the LHS Fellow to co-create the research project with guidance from the Academic mentor and other LeaHD methodology experts. Regular health system engagement throughout the training period helps integrate the LHS Fellow into regular operations, identify opportunities and relevant initiatives, and chart the course for the embedded scientists’ activities.
Funding and Eligibility Requirements
Support provided:
The LHS Fellow will be supported for two years at the appropriate NIH stipend level and travel- and training-related expenses.
Eligibility:
The position requirements for the fellowship are an MD or PhD in rehabilitation research or a closely related field (e.g., health services research, sociology, epidemiology, economics) and a strong interest in improving rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. Must be able to relocate to Providence, RI, for the duration of the fellowship.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must possess a visa at the time of application that will allow them to remain in the United States for the term of the Scientist appointment.
Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Application Requirements:
Applications must include:
- 1000–2000-word essay describing:
- the applicant’s motivation for pursuing LeaHD training, a summary of their career trajectory, training, research, goals, and alignment of their research with the health system priorities
- list preferred health system partner(s)
- a statement describing the applicant’s prior experience with and vision for health equity, diversity, and inclusion of persons with lived experience
- An NIH formatted biosketch
Submit all materials as a single PDF to LeaHDResearch@gmail.com saved as LastName Postdoctoral Fellow Application
During the selection process, applicants will:
- participate in a virtual informational interview with LeaHD leadership to answer questions and discuss potential academic mentor and health system matches;
- complete the LHS Research Core Competency Needs Assessment to assess the applicant’s knowledge and training goals;
- participate in an interview to clarify goals, training needs, and project ideas.
After initial interviews, the LeaHD team will confer with potential mentor and health system matches for the top applicants. Interested members of selected health system leadership and potential mentors will be invited to follow-up interviews with applicants to determine fit.
Key Dates and Deadlines:
- Applications Due: January 15, 2025
- Notification Date: March 14, 2025
- Expected Start Date: July 1, 2025 (negotiable)