The Department of Sociology at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the National Study of Older Never-Married Adults (NSONMA), an NIH-funded (R56) project investigating singlehood, social networks, and health in later life.
NSONMA is developing one of the first national data infrastructures focused on older never-married adults, with emphasis on never-married experiences, social networks, health, and measurement innovation. The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in advancing this work through quantitative analysis, manuscript preparation, and next-phase study development.
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Lijun Song (Principal Investigator) and collaborate with investigators at Vanderbilt University, Boston University, Indiana University Bloomington, and the University of South Florida. The position is affiliated with the Center for Research on Inequality and Health (CRIH) and the Social Networks and Inequalities Lab (SNAIL) at Vanderbilt University.
This is a full-time, in-person position based in Nashville, Tennessee. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work on campus at least three days per week.The twelve-month annual salary is commensurate with NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends). The position includes health insurance and eligibility for university benefits. Funds for conference travel and professional development are available with appropriate approval.
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position is available immediately, with a start date determined by mutual agreement.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
·Conduct advanced quantitative analyses of newly collected survey data and related secondary datasets
·Lead and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts
·Contribute to NIH grant development and resubmission efforts
·Participate in survey instrument refinement and measurement development
·Engage in theoretical development and literature synthesis in support of manuscripts and grant proposals
·Oversee data management and contribute to research coordination
·Present research findings at national and international conferences
·Mentor undergraduate and graduate research assistants
This position offers substantial opportunities for intellectual leadership within a growing research program focused on never-married experiences, social networks, and health in later life.
Required:
· Ph.D. in sociology, demography, gerontology, public health, human development, or a related field by the start date
· Strong training in quantitative research methods
· Demonstrated experience analyzing survey data
· Proficiency in Stata, R, SAS, or comparable statistical software
· Evidence of peer-reviewed publication or strong publication trajectory
Preferred:
· Experience working with large-scale national survey datasets (e.g., HRS, NSHAP, PSID, Add Health)
· Familiarity with social network analysis or network survey instruments
· Experience with survey design, questionnaire development, or data management
· Prior involvement in collaborative or grant-funded research
The ideal candidate will be analytically rigorous, intellectually independent, detail-oriented, and capable of contributing to both team-based and independent research.
Applicants should submit the following materials via Interfolio:
1. Cover letter (including earliest possible start date)
2. Research statement describing dissertation research, works in progress, publication plans, and career goals
3. Curriculum vitae
4. One writing sample (published article or working paper)
5. Contact information for three references
Applications received by March 31, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately thereafter and continue until the position is filled.Questions may be directed to Dr. Lijun Song at lijun.song@vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
