Postdoctoral Fellowship – School of Public Health Full-time

Position Summary

The Ryan Institute for Interdisciplinary Health Solutions (RIIHS) within the School of Public Health at WashU is pleased to offer two full-time, two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2026-2028 academic years:

• The Mary McKay Postdoctoral Fellow
• The Margaret Clarson Postdoctoral Fellow

The fellowship begins in summer 2026 with a start date of July 1. The program is designed for emerging scholars and scientists in public health who are passionate about interdisciplinary science. Postdocs will have an opportunity to work closely with leading faculty and with the Institute Executive Director in a unique environment that is committed to advancing science and scholarship and to also develop policy solutions that can help address the health of populations.

School of Public Health WashU launched the School of Public Health in January 2025 – the University's first new School in 100 years. The School is led by the inaugural Dean, Dr. Sandro Galea, and is at the center of WashU's aspirations for interdisciplinary scholarship, education, and translation of the work. With the Dean of the School of Public Health also serving as the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives, there is a moment-in-time opportunity to transform not only how academic public health is conducted worldwide, but also how WashU's breadth of scholarship across disciplines is conducted and applied.

In its first year, the School welcomed students, applied for accreditation, recruited faculty, appointed secondary faculty, and executed convenings to encourage public health dialogue and raise the profile of the School nationally. The school has an ambitious 4×4 plan and is working swiftly to become a leading school of public health.

Ryan Institute for Interdisciplinary Health Solutions RIIHS at the School of Public Health at WashU aims to develop innovative interdisciplinary science that identifies transformative solutions to the world's most pressing health challenges. Bringing together faculty, policymakers, industry partners, and thought leaders, the Institute will accelerate discovery, training, translation and implementation to rewrite the story of global population health. Its mission is both intellectual and practical: to generate transformative science, train future leaders, and ensure that research rapidly informs solutions. Anchored in the aspiration of achieving health for everyone around the world, the Institute will catalyze scholarship of consequence by convening high-level global dialogues, investing in interdisciplinary research that drives sustainable improvements in health and well-being worldwide and supporting postdoctoral fellows.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Trains under the supervision of two faculty mentors (one primary in the School of Public Health and one secondary faculty based on area of interest) including (but not limited to):

• Develops an independent and ambitious research program consistent with the themes of the fellowship.
• Develops a robust track record of academic papers submitted in line with the fellow's research agenda.
• Participates in grant preparation and reporting.
• Engages in translation of science and scholarship to achieve a broader reach for our work.
• Assists in the design of research projects including implementation of research.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated at the University remain the property of the University.

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications /Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications /Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.