Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Implementation Science

The Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine invites applications for a Two-Years Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Implementation Science.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance the science and practice of implementing evidence-based interventions and accelerating the uptake of implementation research findings in real-world settings. We take a broad view of implementation science, emphasizing its integration across disease areas and conditions, including, but not limited to, HIV prevention and care, mental health, substance use, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team within the Implementation Science Research Lab, housed in the Department of Population Health Sciences. The fellow will have the opportunity to engage in national and international partnerships and contribute to multiple ongoing federally and foundation-funded studies.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play an active role in advancing the mission of the Implementation Science Research Lab and the Department of Population Health Sciences. Responsibilities will be both independent and collaborative , with an emphasis on career development, scholarly productivity, and the application of implementation science methods to real-world public health challenges. Specific responsibilities include:

• Conduct and lead implementation science studies focused on understanding and addressing barriers to the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions across different populations and health conditions (e.g., HIV, mental health, substance use, cancer, diabetes).
• Contribute to ongoing federally and foundation-funded research projects led by the Implementation Science Research Lab, including mixed-methods studies, intervention trials, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiatives.
• Develop and implement their own research agenda , including conceptualizing, designing, and leading pilot or secondary data studies in alignment with their long-term career goals.
• Prepare and submit extramural grant applications , such as NIH K-series career development awards, R21 exploratory studies, and foundation-funded proposals, with mentorship from senior faculty.
• Lead and collaborate on manuscript development and dissemination of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and professional conferences.
• Conduct systematic and scoping reviews to synthesize implementation science evidence, frameworks, and best practices across health and social care contexts.
• Participate in data coordination, integration, and harmonization efforts across multisite studies, ensuring methodological rigor and consistency in data management and analysis.
• Contribute to tool and resource development , including the adaptation and dissemination of implementation frameworks, assessment tools, and training curricula for diverse audiences (e.g., researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community partners).
• Mentor and train researchers, students, and practitioners in implementation science methods, research design, and analytical techniques.
• Engage in professional development activities , including workshops, seminars, and collaborations across departments, to strengthen expertise in implementation research, leadership, and academic career advancement.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and community partners , including public health departments, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations, to co-design and evaluate implementation strategies and promote equity-focused, sustainable change.
• Contribute to lab management and operations , including coordination of meetings, dissemination efforts, and annual progress reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH, JD, or equivalent) in public health, psychology, implementation science, health services research, behavioral or social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Completion of the doctoral degree prior to the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated interest and a clear career development plan in implementation science.
• Strong writing, analytic, and communication skills; experience working on interdisciplinary or community-engaged projects is desirable.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF:

• Cover Letter (2-3 pages) describing the applicant's background, research interests, prior training, and career development goals related to implementation science.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or NIH-format biosketch.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, contact Prof. Omar Martinez at [email protected].

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state's benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department
College of Medicine (COM) - Population Health Operations

Work Schedule
Varies

Type of Appointment
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Expected Salary
Negotiable

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].