Postdoctoral Research Associate - Virginia Memory Project

Advertising Summary: The Virginia Memory Project seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the registry's scientific, mentoring, and operational goals. The postdoc will split time among three core areas: mentoring and supporting PhD students engaged in aging and health services research; managing day-to-day program operations and partner coordination for the VMP; and pursuing an independent program of scholarship typical of a postdoctoral research role. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher interested in dementia, health services research, and translational aging science to build a research portfolio while gaining program leadership experience. This position is a restricted position and will be a 12-month appointment, renewable annually contingent on funding and performance.

Unit: College of Health Professions MBU

Department: Center On Aging

Department Summary: The Virginia Memory Project (VMP) is the first expansive, web-based brain health registry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Housed at VCU in the Virginia Center on Aging and conducted in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, the VMP links de-identified data from the Virginia All Payer Claims Database with self-enrollment survey data to build a comprehensive picture of dementia prevalence, caregiving, and brain health across the state. Findings from the VMP inform public health programming, state policy, and services and supports for people living with memory loss and their caregivers. In 2024, legislation establishing the VMP as an ongoing state initiative was signed into law in Virginia.

Duties & Responsibilities

Supporting PhD Students

• Mentor and provide research supervision to doctoral students working on aging, dementia, and health services research.
• Train doctoral students and research assistants in registry data management, quantitative and qualitative analysis methods, and manuscript development.
• Serve as a secondary mentor or committee member on dissertation and comprehensive exam committees as appropriate.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team including: allied health professionals, clinical faculty, informaticists, and engineers.
  
  

Program Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Virginia Memory Project registry, including data workflows with the Virginia All Payer Claims Database and coordination with the Virginia Department of Health.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements for state contracts and grant-funded work.
• Coordinate with community and advisory committee partners and contribute to dissemination products (issue briefs, newsletters, stakeholder presentations).
• Supervise or coordinate the work of research staff, graduate assistants, and/or student workers as assigned.
  
  

Research, Scholarship & General Postdoctoral Duties

• Conduct independent and collaborative research using VMP registry data and related aging/health services datasets.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at regional and national conferences.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and renewals for funders (e.g., Virginia Department of Health, NIH, Alzheimer's Association).
• Support IRB protocol development, amendments, and ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Participate in lab meetings, professional development activities, and other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Health Sciences, Gerontology/Geriatrics, Health Services Research, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, including data management and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across research, clinical, and community partners.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoctoral at VCU.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in aging, dementia, or health services/registry science.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students or staff.
• Familiarity with administrative claims data or public health surveillance systems.
• Experience with grant writing, contract management, or multi-site program coordination.
  
  

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

Months: 12 Months

Contact Information

Contact Name: Annie Rhodes

Contact Email: rhodesas2@vcu.edu