Postdoctoral Fellow

The Engagement Methods Unit is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to explore the influence of social and psychological factors on genetic literacy, or otherwise how everyday people apply genetics and genomics to their everyday situations. This work will build upon the genetic literacy instrument first published in 'Little ID et al., Am J Hum Genet 2022' and recently expanded in 'Ramírez-Renta G et al., Am J Hum Genet 2025'.

One major project of this prospective postdoc will be analyzing 'Evaluation and Assessment of Genetic Literacy' measurements (EAGL, Barna et al HGG Advances 2026) results in conjunction with our large-scale survey and biometric data sets from the NHGRI 'All of Us' platform. This candidate will also build new educational intervention tools for genetics and genomics based on the results of these surveys, particularly in the area of autism or gene-environment interactions.

We are also working with clinical and educational partners to measure the effects of genetic literacy on how providers interact with patients and how educators interact with multiple audiences. As such, applicants will be involved in designing studies (including mixed-methods work), conducting data analysis, and preparing presentations and publications under the supervision of Dr. Gunter. Additional information about Dr. Gunter’s research can be found here.

As a member of our lab, you will have the flexibility to conduct research that you are interested in while still contributing to our ongoing work. We offer a full-time, on-site position at the main NIH Bethesda campus with competitive salary and benefits, individualized mentorship, and broad access to seminars, scientific communities, training programs, research infrastructure, and expertise across the NHGRI and NIH.

This fellowship is designed for motivated candidates who have completed their doctoral training within the last 5 years. Experience in behavioral/social science research is required and expertise in human genetics is preferred. Applicants should have strong quantitative skills and experience with statistical methods.

We welcome candidates with doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines, including human genetics, genomics, psychology, science or health communication, public health, and/or related areas. Experience with qualitative or mixed-methods research is preferred but not required. However, candidates will be expected to improve their understanding of qualitative methods as relevant to this position. Applicants should thus be skilled in learning how to use new software, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and working independently and as part of a team.

Enthusiasm is required, as are excellent communication skills and fluency in both spoken and written English, as candidate must be able to successfully present their data and ideas through lab meetings, seminars, conferences, and written publications.

Selection for this position is based solely on merit. The NIH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or union membership status, and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.