Postdoctoral Associate – Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Data Sciences

The University of Vermont Cancer Center is seeking an outstanding candidate to fill a Postdoctoral Associate position focused on breast cancer epidemiology and data sciences.  This position is under the supervision of Dr. Brian Sprague, PhD, who is Professor in the UVM Larner College of Medicine and co-Leader of the Cancer Population Sciences program within the Cancer Center. Dr. Sprague directs the Vermont Breast Cancer Surveillance System (VBCSS), a registry-based study that collects data on women undergoing breast imaging at radiology facilities in Vermont.  The VBCSS is one of six active registries that pools data within the national Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) to conduct breast cancer research and inform national guidelines for breast cancer screening.  VBCSS data have been used in over 270 publications.

This postdoctoral associate position offers opportunities in complex data management, data analyses, and manuscript publication in support of multiple NCI grant-funded projects evaluating breast cancer screening strategies and breast cancer risk prediction models.  Active projects include an R01-funded study of supplemental screening strategies for women with dense breasts, an R01-funded study of novel risk prediction models for women with benign breast disease, and P01-funded studies of advanced cancer risk prediction models and the use of image analysis artificial intelligence algorithms to improve breast cancer screening and risk prediction. 

Core job responsibilities will include analytic design, conduct of data analyses, and manuscript preparation. The postdoctoral associate will develop their independent research skills under the mentorship of Dr. Sprague, including opportunities for grant writing and conference travel if desired.  Candidates can expect a collaborative work environment, with local, national, and international collaborators in disciplines including Epidemiology, Health Services Research, Biostatistics, Radiology, Pathology, Surgery, Primary Care, Decision Analysis, Implementation Science, and Complex Systems. 

This is a 1-2 year position with a flexible start date and potential to extend for an additional year. Ability to work in-person at the University of Vermont in Burlington is desired but remote options may be considered. A competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for travel and training are available.

Requirements include a PhD in a field applicable to cancer epidemiology or data sciences. This opportunity is available to US Citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Recent PhD graduates and candidates with prior postdoctoral experience will both be considered. Successful candidates will have an interest in working with large datasets, including data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, experience with complex statistical analyses, and strong writing skills. Database management skills (e.g., SQL Server, MS Access, SAS) and interests in rural health are highly desirable but not required.

Further information about the VBCSS is available at http://www.med.uvm.edu/vbcss/program-home.  Further information about the BCSC is available at https://www.bcsc-research.org/

The University of Vermont Cancer Center is a not-for-profit comprehensive clinical and research cancer center, the only such organization in the state of Vermont. Founded in 1974, the Cancer Center is located within the Larner College of Medicine and enjoys a clinical partnership with the University of Vermont Medical Center. The organization comprises more than 120 scientists and physicians engaged in a full range of basic, translational, clinical, and outcomes research that seeks to uncover new knowledge and understanding about cancer and the issues that affect people with the disease. 

Dr. Sprague is co-Leader of the Cancer Population Sciences program within the University of Vermont Cancer Center.  This program facilitates collaborative, transdisciplinary cancer research through regular meetings, organized symposia, and other mechanisms.  Interactions with the larger UVM research and clinical community are promoted by joint meetings with the other Cancer Center programs as well as workshops, retreats, symposia, and other Cancer Center events.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service. Applicants are requested to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law. The University encourages applications from all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution.

To apply, please submit 1) a cover letter describing the candidate’s research interests and relevant qualifications; 2) a CV; and 3) the names and contact information of three individual references to: Dr. Brian Sprague (brian.sprague@med.uvm.edu).  This opportunity is also described at https://www.med.uvm.edu/vbcss/postdoctoral_associate_position.