B260401
Mentor: Dr. Annabelle Fonseca
Postdoctoral Scholar in Outcomes & Health Services Research
Description:
The Fonseca Lab in the Division of Surgical Oncology is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join an active outcomes and health services research program focused on cancer care delivery, disparities, and quality of surgical oncology care. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position ideal for individuals with strong quantitative skills who are interested in clinical research, biostatistics, and academic medicine. The position would start August 2026 but this date is flexible.
The Fonseca Lab conducts population-based and clinical outcomes research using large national databases as well as institutional clinical data, with a focus on improving cancer care delivery and reducing disparities. Ongoing projects involve survival analysis, health services research, and translational outcomes studies across multiple cancer types.
Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will work closely with faculty, fellows, residents, and other research collaborators on multiple research projects. Responsibilities include:
- Managing and analyzing large clinical and administrative datasets (e.g., SEER, NCDB, institutional databases)
- Performing statistical analyses, including regression modeling and survival analysis
- Assisting with study design, data cleaning, and variable construction
- Preparing figures, tables, and results for manuscripts and presentations
- Contributing to manuscript writing and submission for peer-reviewed journals
- Assisting with IRB submissions and regulatory documentation
- Mentoring and collaborating with trainees involved in research projects
Required Qualifications
- MD, MD/MPH, or MD/PhD degree
- Demonstrated intermediate to advanced knowledge of statistics and quantitative methods
- Experience with statistical software such as R, Stata, SAS, or similar
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
- MPH or formal training in biostatistics, epidemiology, or clinical research methods
- Prior experience with outcomes research, health services research, or population-based datasets
- Familiarity with AI methodologies
Position Details
- Full-time position based at UAB in Birmingham, Alabama
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and training
- Strong mentorship environment with opportunities for authorship, conference presentations, and career development
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit to Dr. Annabelle Fonseca at
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Brief statement of research interests and career goals
- Contact information for 2–3 professional references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.