Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunities in HIV Translational Science

Northwestern University’s THRIVE Center is accepting applications for FOUR two-year postdoctoral fellowship positions starting in summer/fall 2026. These positions are recruiting scholars to work on projects in a wide range of topic areas, including HIV behavioral science, longitudinal data analysis, implementation science, digital interventions with sexual minority adolescents, and women’s health. The appointments are eligible for renewal in the second year based on performance. Read below for additional information on each opportunity and application details.

THRIVE is a research center within Northwestern’s Impact Institute. The center’s mission is to conduct cutting-edge research with a translational focus. It aims to translate research findings from quantitative and qualitative studies into efficacious interventions that can be effectively implemented in the community.

As part of the THRIVE Center’s educational mission, postdoctoral scholars will gain knowledge of each of these areas of behavioral translational science through mentored research, a regular seminar series, and opportunities for more intensive training. Extensive opportunities exist to gain exposure to and mentorship on grant writing and other key professional skills. Prior trainees have been highly successful in being hired into faculty positions and securing competitive research grants. The THRIVE Center welcomes and encourages applicants focused on interdisciplinary work.

THRIVE Center is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work on the NIDA-funded RADAR project. RADAR is a large longitudinal cohort study of young gay and bisexual men in Chicago that aims to understand the biopsychosocial drivers of HIV and substance, ongoing since 2015. The RADAR team is an interdisciplinary group consisting of numerous faculty from across Northwestern, post-doctoral and pre-doctoral trainees, and many staff. The postdoctoral scholar will lead analytic and writing projects utilizing longitudinal data, including self-report data (on HIV-related behaviors and myriad health and psychosocial factors) and biological data (e.g., HIV/STI testing, drug use, stress biomarkers) from participants living with and without HIV. There will be opportunities to pursue independent research questions and grant funding. Past RADAR postdoctoral scholars have gone on to have highly productive research careers.

Mentors: Michael E. Newcomb, PhD; Brian Mustanski, PhD

THRIVE Center is seeking a postdoctoral scholar interested in dissemination/implementation research in HIV and sexual minority adolescent sexual health. Projects involve effectiveness-implementation studies of HIV prevention and testing among sexual minority adolescents, as well as a new cross-institutional scientific working group to advance HIV dissemination science and practice. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead analytic and writing projects utilizing secondary data and provide support to ongoing research studies and initiatives. There will be opportunities to pursue independent research questions, grant funding, and mentoring of staff and students.

Mentor: Kathryn Macapagal, PhD

The HIV Implementation Science Coordination Initiative (ISCI), the national coordinating center for NIH-funded HIV implementation research, is seeking a postdoctoral scholar interested in advancing the use of dissemination and implementation science methods in HIV and accelerating the uptake of implementation research findings in HIV practice. The scholar will join a highly collaborative team and engage in a wide range of research activities including but not limited to systematic reviews of HIV implementation literature, data coordination and harmonization of HIV research projects, tool and resource development and dissemination, and training of researchers and practitioners. The scholar will have opportunities to analyze existing data, author/co-author manuscripts, and pursue independent research questions.

This position is best suited for a scholar interested in meta-science and infrastructure development. Ideal candidates will have experience with domestic HIV research and implementation science methods and frameworks. Prior coursework and/or training in implementation science is preferred. Candidates whose work focuses on program implementation and evaluation, intervention development, and organizational psychology are also encouraged to apply.

Mentor: Dennis Li, PhD, MPH

Co-mentors: Brian Mustanski, PhD; Nanette Benbow, MAS

The THRIVE Center is seeking a postdoctoral scholar passionate about producing meaningful, high-quality research on identity, relationships, and well-being. The ideal candidate enjoys deep analysis, complex research designs, and collaborative writing. The scholar will join a supportive research team working on a newly-funded NICHD project on early relationships—exploring how couples navigate stress, health, and future planning in the context of dynamic social stressors. Responsibilities include: 1) Leading analytic and writing projects using qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (large-scale surveys of women in relationships) individual- and couple-level data; 2) Designing and conducting qualitative interviews; supporting participant recruitment and retention; 3) Contributing to related projects (e.g., studies on well-being and relationship experiences) pending funding outcomes; 4) Pursuing independent research, manuscripts, and grant development with strong mentorship; and 5) Potential for mentorship and collaboration opportunities. This position is ideal for a scholar interested in relationship science, family studies, and the social factors that influence well-being, as well as innovative, mixed-methods research.

Mentor: Cindy Veldhuis, PhD

Timeline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled, with the goal of interviewing candidates in December 2025 – January 2026. The positions will begin in the summer/fall of 2026.

Eligibility: Completion of the doctorate prior to the start of the position is required. A plan for a career focused on research on HIV and/or sexual minority health research is required.

To apply: All application materials should be emailed to Program Manager Pol Galofre Molero at pol.galofremolero@northwestern.edu. Referees should send references directly.

Submissions must include the following:

• • 2-3 page cover letter that clearly articulates applicant background, research program, previous training, and career development goals
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • 3 letters of reference, including one from pre-doctoral mentor

Questions? Please contact THRIVE Center Director Michael Newcomb, PhD, at newcomb@northwestern.edu and Program Manager Pol Galofre Molero at pol.galofremolero@northwestern.edu.