Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Science in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at Lehigh University

Lehigh University

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits.

The Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, together with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University, seek a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to our research initiatives and academic programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to research infectious disease modeling with Professor Thomas McAndrew in biostatistics and research water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges in resource-constrained contexts with Professor Gabrielle String.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will engage in interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research as well as gain experience in mentorship and academic service. Preference will be given to applicants with a background in the computational modeling of infectious diseases.

Because this position focuses on the development of the individual in all aspects of research and mentorship, and because of Lehigh University’s rich resources in support of Postdoctoral Research Associates (New & Current Postdocs), this position at Lehigh University is in-person.

Dr. McAndrew is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science at Lehigh University. He has led projects associated with the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases that focus on augmenting surveillance with social data, such as human judgment and search information data, to improve forecasting. McAndrew has a long history of mathematical modeling of several pathogens (HPV, SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, influenza).

Dr. String studies how and why interventions to interrupt environmental transmission of disease succeed or fail in real-world settings. She is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Population Health at Lehigh University, where her work includes sustained engagement with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges in humanitarian and development contexts, which serve as important contexts for broader questions about environmental transmission, system resilience, and the real-world performance of public health interventions.

Position Number: S62610

Anticipated Salary: $70,000 - Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.

Responsibilities:

The individual hired will be expected to design studies, submit IRB proposals, and collaborate with academic and industry partners. The individual hired will also be expected to supervise day-to-day activities within research teams, develop project independence, publish research, and support grant proposals. Emphasis is given to individuals who can process infectious disease data, build novel computational models of disease dynamics, and lead statistical analysis of data sets.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be formally appointed in the area that best aligns with their career goals and educational background, based on the candidate’s strengths at the time of hire, and the project needs and goals. For reference, the missions of each area are outlined below.

The Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science at Lehigh University advances the development and application of statistical, computational, and technological methods to address complex health problems. The department conducts cutting-edge methodological research, collaborates on interdisciplinary studies, and educates the next generation of health data scientists. Areas of expertise include bioinformatics, computational biology, artificial intelligence, network science, Bayesian methods, spatiotemporal methods, visualization, evolutionary game theory, infectious disease modeling, and assistive and accessibility technologies, with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through data-driven discovery.

​​The mission of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is to educate students in the principles and methods essential to the practice and advancement of civil and environmental engineering. The program is proactive and continues to incorporate new and emerging paradigms in all aspects of teaching and education while maintaining rigorous standards in traditional approaches. Graduates of the program possess the technical expertise required to maintain a healthy balance between societal welfare, economic growth, and the environment surrounding us. Our goal is to prepare students to apply and continually cultivate knowledge that will enable them to become successful practitioners, innovators, and leaders serving our complex society.

Dr. String’s lab profile at Gabrielle String and Dr. McAndrew’s lab profile at Computational Uncertainty Lab

Other responsibilities may include:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments, contributing to the overall goals of the research group.

• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.

• Assist in the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance on experimental techniques, data analysis, and project development.

• Contribute to grant writing, including assisting in the development of proposals and identifying funding opportunities.

• Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and other events, engaging with the academic community.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (or near completion) in Biostatistics, Statistics, Applied mathematics, computational biology, Mathematical Sciences, or a closely related field, completed by the start of the appointment.

• Demonstrated research experience and a track record of publication in reputable scientific journals

• Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive research and teaching environment.

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Terms of Appointment:
This is an in-person, full-time, one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position will start on a mutually agreed-upon date.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter detailing research experience, career goals, and how they align with the department’s research areas.

2. A curriculum vitae (CV).

3. A research statement (1-2 pages).

4. Contact information for three references.

Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community

• This position works with minors

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.