L231801
Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Arend, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
A postdoctoral position working with Dr. Rebecca Arend’s lab in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is available. Part of Dr. Arend’s research portfolio is focused on improving health disparities in gynecologic cancers. Dr. Arend is co-PI of the DETECT (Discovery and Evaluation of Tests for Endometrial/Ovarian Cancer in Tampons) study in collaboration with investigators at the National Cancer Institute DETECT is a case-control study designed to evaluate the performance of biomarkers for endometrial and ovarian cancer detection from self-collected vaginal tampon specimens among patients undergoing surgery at UAB. DETECT will systematically address endometrial/ovarian cancer disparities with respect to exposures, cancer subtypes, diagnostic delays, and cancer outcomes.
Candidates will be expected to work with Dr. Arend on projects related to post-treatment follow-up, including liquid biopsy approaches and molecular characterization of DETECT study participants. Candidates will also participate in projects using data from UAB electronic medical records and other available clinical databases to address questions related to disparities in gynecologic cancers. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in public health, clinical medicine, epidemiology, or related field. The candidate should also have strong communication and writing skills, as the candidate will be expected to help with grant proposals and manuscripts. Based on the candidate’s interests and goals.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Project management
Data abstraction and cleaning (i.e., from UAB electronic health records and external clinical databases)
Data analysis and interpretation
Leading and supporting manuscript writing
Leading and supporting grant proposal development and writing
Qualifications:
- Basic Qualifications
MD or PhD
Additional Qualifications:
MSPH preferred
- Experience in gynecologic cancer research is highly desirable
- Experience working with clinical charts and data
Opportunities:
The successful candidate will be mentored to achieve their goals, progressing to greater independence during the fellowship. Ample opportunities for professional development, mentorship, academic and research leadership, publication, and applied knowledge translation will be provided through the interdisciplinary training environment in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Through her Cervical SPORE, Foundation Funding and industry-funded research, Dr. Arend collaborates closely with community partners, UAB and other academic faculty with expertise in mixed methods, behavioral science, epidemiology, biostatistics, and translational science. This opportunity involves being part of a team of interdisciplinary faculty, trainees and staff collaborating through the UAB Center for Women’s Heath and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additional professional development opportunities are available through the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences.
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 Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity, and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.
