The state-funded Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research Center (ADRC) at Utah State University (USU) is seeking an exceptional and motivated postdoctoral research fellow (Postdoctoral Fellow II). The ADRC focuses on research, supportive services, and training a dementia-competent workforce. It is housed within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. The center is Directed by Dr. Elizabeth Braungart Fauth, a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
Candidates for this two-year fellowship (with opportunities for renewal) should have existing research experience in Alzheimer’s or related dementias; the position, however, is purposefully designed to be flexible. Research interests and expertise in mild cognitive impairment, family or formal care, and other related areas as well as basic research, prevention, and/or intervention foci are welcome. The postdoctoral fellow will report to Dr. Fauth, who has a research career focused on building and evaluating supportive services for family caregivers of people with dementia. Her current work includes using online, self-guided Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support dementia caregivers. Applicants do not have to share this line of inquiry to apply. A key goal of this fellowship is to advance the fellow’s own line of inquiry and to collaborate with faculty and doctoral students at USU and across the state. Thus, the ideal candidate would be interested in applying their own skills and interests to a diverse team of faculty in HDFS, Psychology, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, and related fields.
Interest in collaborating on secondary data also is a key area of focus for this position. For example, the Cache County Study on Memory in Aging (over 5,000 individuals) and the subset of those with dementia (over 900) have approximately 12 - 15 years of information on an array of dementia risk factors including genetic, health, nutritional, medication and psychosocial variables. Stored biological samples and linkage with the Utah Population Database (at the University of Utah), further expands available data (see work by Dr. JoAnn Tschanz, Psychology). A full list of our faculty affiliates with their areas of research expertise are listed here: https://cehs.usu.edu/adrc/people/. In sum, we seek to promote the fellow’s existing line of inquiry and foster new collaborations with the ADRC affiliates, and we are supportive of the candidate building new skills with Dr. Fauth and/or faculty affiliates with the goal of conducting innovative research that supports the mission of the center.
The postdoctoral fellow will have access to a statistician as well as other grant and institutional supports from the Office of Research Services, a unit within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.
If you have questions about the position please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Elizabeth Fauth (435-797-1989; beth.fauth@usu.edu).
Responsibilities Leading and collaborating on manuscripts and research presentations focused on Alzheimer’s and related dementiasGrant writing, in collaboration with the ADRC Director and other facultyAssisting with data collection, where neededWorking collaboratively with faculty and doctoral students to support the mission of the ADRC QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
By the time of the appointment, have earned a PhD in social or health sciences (e.g., Psychology, Family Science, Human Development, Neuroscience, Public Health)Have a line of inquiry that can foster successful collaborations with existing facultyDemonstrate a strong record of publication in peer reviewed journalsBe able to work independentlyHave advanced statistical skills, including expertise with longitudinal methodsDemonstrate excellent written and oral English communication skills Required DocumentsAlong with the online application, please attach:
A curriculum vita to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in Your Profile under "Resume/CV"Two writing samples that are also reflective of your analytic or statistical aptitude to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in Your Profile under "Documents 1-10"Contact information for three professional references to be provided at the beginning of your application in your Candidate ProfileA cover letter that speaks to the minimum and preferred qualifications should be typed/pasted at the end of the application process. The system will provide a text box titled, "Cover Letter" in which the applicant will be directed to paste or type the document**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits. ADAEmployees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department HighlightsThe Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is committed to inclusive excellence in research, teaching, and service activities across a wide array of education and human service fields. The college is home to eight academic departments with approximately 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and high-quality graduate and undergraduate education. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and five stand-alone centers. Faculty, students, and staff within the college also engage with a broad range of community partners to both provide opportunities for community-engaged research and learning and enhance the quality of education and human service programs throughout the state of Utah.
University HighlightsFounded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.
USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 01/2025
Notice of Non-discriminationIn its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
*updated 09/2023
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