At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (RHRC), we conduct policy-relevant research to improve the lives of rural residents and families, to advance health equity, and to enhance the vitality of rural communities. We invite scholars from diverse backgrounds to apply for the RHRC’s Rural Health Equity Postdoctoral Program. The program will support the professional development of researchers who can address critical gaps in knowledge by doing the following:

1. Conduct research to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policy that advances health equity in individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on rural areas and geographic inequities. 
2. Study the impacts of institutional and governmental policies that affect health care access, health care quality, social determinants of health, systems of care and services, and population health outcomes across the lifespan.
3. Focus and engage with rural populations that face structural barriers to good health outcomes, including the following: communities of color, Indigenous people, women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes.
4. Conduct research in partnership with communities, and communicate findings to policymakers and back to communities, highlighting the impact of decisions for individual, family, and community health.

The primary goal of this program is to train scholars who will become innovative research leaders in rural health. The postdoctoral associate will receive mentorship and support from the RHRC leadership and staff and closely collaborate on projects.

The postdoctoral associate will be expected to co-lead, with RHRC faculty or staff, a one-year rural health focused project (Sep-Aug) that is specified by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The focus of this project is expected to be on rural aging, disability, and/or social determinants of health. During the first year of the program, the associate will have an opportunity to provide input to shape a one-year project that they could lead during the second year of the program. Results will be published as peer-reviewed manuscripts and publicly-available policy briefs, and be disseminated at rural-relevant conferences. RHRC’s work is characterized by rapid turnaround, policy-relevant, rigorous research that informs decision-making and improves the health of rural communities.

The associate will also have an opportunity to develop and implement an independent rural health equity research project specifically focused on rural Minnesota. The specific focus and methodology of this project will depend on the expertise and interest of the associate, but may include quantitative analysis, qualitative data collection and analysis, and community-engaged work.