Research Focus

The focus of this postdoctoral fellowship is to reduce health disparities and advance health equity by improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes among diverse adolescents and young adults. The fellow will engage in community-driven, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive research that integrates nursing science, public health, implementation science, and policy translation.

This position supports interdisciplinary research addressing structural, social, behavioral, and policy determinants of health, with an emphasis on translating evidence into practice, programs, and policies that promote reproductive autonomy, justice, and equity.

Research Foci (Thrust Areas)

Using equity-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive frameworks, research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Maternal and child health outcomes among diverse and historically marginalized populations
• STI and HIV prevention, including PrEP/PEP education, access, uptake, and adherence
• Reproductive health equity, reproductive autonomy, and reproductive justice
• Sexual and reproductive health education, violence prevention, and health promotion
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth and digital health interventions
• Community-driven intervention development, program evaluation, and dissemination
• Translation of research findings into public health and nursing practice and policy

Facilities & Collaborative Environment

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research across a rich interdisciplinary and community-engaged environment, including:

• College of Nursing (Texas Medical Center) laboratories, simulation, and research facilities
• Community-based organizations and public health agencies across the Greater Houston area
• Academic collaborations spanning nursing, public health, allied health, and population health sciences

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in Nursing or a PhD/DrPH in Public Health, or a closely related discipline (e.g., Health Behavior, Community Health, Epidemiology, Population Health, Health Policy); ABD candidates with all degree requirements completed by May are eligible to apply.
• Be proficient in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research
• Exhibit a clear commitment to health equity, community engagement, and translational nursing and public health research

Expected Outcomes and Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to:

• Develop, implement, and disseminate research arising from internal and external grant-funded projects
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, and policy-relevant products
• Engage collaboratively with local, regional, and national community and clinical partners
• Support student education, mentoring, and training across undergraduate and graduate nursing, public health, and allied health programs
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research teams aligned with PVAMU’s PIER Health, Wellness, and Healthcare Innovation theme