Job Description

The L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation (SIHI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct innovative, community-engaged research that translates community-informed priorities into real-world health solutions. Embedded within a growing regional ecosystem for rural health innovation and translational science, the position will engage in ongoing projects while developing an independent research direction in collaboration with academic, clinical, community, and industry partners.

This position is designed to support early-career investigators seeking to develop an independent research trajectory aligned with SIHI’s mission to partner with communities to expand access to care and emerging health innovations. The successful candidate will receive mentorship in multiple research methodologies—including community-based participatory research, interventional research, and implementation science—and gain experience in study design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of research. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also gain experience developing competitive proposals for external funding.

Primary responsibilities:

• Design and conduct translational and/or community-engaged research studies
• Collaborate with community, rural, and Tribal partners to co-develop research questions and study approaches
• Lead or contribute to manuscript development, abstracts, and scientific dissemination
• Support pilot project development and preliminary data generation for external funding proposals
• Contribute to federal grant submissions (e.g., NIH, NSF, foundation funding) and pursue development awards to support independent research activities
• Apply quantitative and/or qualitative methods to analyze data
• Participate in interdisciplinary research teams across SIHI and university partner.

Research areas will be tailored to an individual’s interests, with potential focus areas including:

• Development of new health products, services, or practices
• Population health and health outcomes
• Community-based participatory research methods
• Data science and bioinformatics
• Precision medicine and pharmacogenomics

The Postdoctoral Research Associate may also have opportunities for teaching experiences within the University of Montana (UM). Teaching experiences will be mentored by UM faculty and may include didactic instruction and/or mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students. The Postdoctoral Research Associate may also participate in faculty development opportunities offered at UM.

Position Details

Schedule One year Letter of Appointment beginning fall semester 2026Salary: $63,482/year. Salary aligns with the National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipends for Fiscal Year 2026
Benefits Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, DrPH, or equivalent) from an accredited graduate program in a discipline related to biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy, public health, or a related field
• Demonstrated research experience (e.g., dissertation, publications, or equivalent scholarly work)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in community-engaged, rural health, or Tribal health research
• Training in clinical and translational research methods
• Track record of research publications and grant involvement
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including community partners

Application Instructions

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

To apply, please upload the following materials:

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana (UM) is an equal opportunity employer. UM does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.