Postdoctoral Fellow in Obstetric Health Care Quality and Equity Research

Postdoctoral Fellow in Obstetric Health Care Quality and Equity Research

Institution: University of Pennsylvania – Perelman School of Medicine
Department: Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)
Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Howell, MD, MPP
Funding Source: PI Grant (NIH-funded)
Number of Positions: 1
Open Date: February 27, 2026
Eligibility: Open to U.S. permanent residents and citizens only.

Overview

Our research program is dedicated to improving health outcomes and equity for all postpartum and pregnant patients. We are funded by the National Institutes of Health to study disparities in maternal health outcomes. This position will support the health care quality and equity program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology by working on the following projects:

• An NIH-funded R01 on improving maternal health outcomes for postpartum women
• The March of Dimes Research Center for Advancing Maternal Health Equity
• Other quality and equity-related research

This position will work with Dr. Elizabeth Howell, chair of the OBGYN department; Dr. Kimberly Glazer, Assistant Professor; and other equity-focused faculty in the department.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration with Dr. Howell, Dr. Glazer, and fellow members of the research and project team to execute data management and documentation for large administrative databases, with attention to detail.
• Develop analytic plans and conduct rigorous statistical analysis following standards of practice. Conduct qualitative data analysis depending on applicant’s skillset (experience with qualitative research methods desired but not required).
• Offer guidance and mentorship to research staff.
• Craft reports to funders documenting project progress and outcomes.
• Lead manuscript writing to disseminate research findings in academic journals.
• Collaborate on development of grant applications to government and private funders.
• Communicate effectively with research partners to ensure productive collaboration; and deliver presentations to research partners, practitioners, and audiences at research conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, health services research, population health, sociology, or related fields
• Individuals with experience in reproductive health from a social scientific perspective are strongly encouraged to apply
• Ideal candidates will bring:
  • Strong quantitative skillset
  • Proficiency in study design
  • Excellent writing skills

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Competitive postdoctoral stipend (PI Grant funded). The University of Pennsylvania provides a full benefits package including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. Annual allowances for travel and research are also provided.

About the Research Environment

This position is housed within the Perelman School of Medicine and benefits from Penn’s world-class research infrastructure. Penn’s postdoctoral training program in health services research—supported by the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department, the Leonard Davis Institute (LDI) of Health Economics, and the Perelman School of Medicine—develops investigators trained to conduct high-impact, rigorous health services research as independent investigators with the goal of improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and equity of health care.

Q&A: Wharton Health Care Management at Penn — Frequently Asked Questions

Sourced from the Wharton School Health Care Management Department at the University of Pennsylvania.

Q: What is the Wharton Health Care Management (HCMG) Department?

A: The Health Care Management Department is the Wharton School’s base for scholarship, education, and innovative thinking related to the business, management, and policy of health care services, health care technology, and health care financing. The department sponsors three educational programs: the PhD in Health Care Management and Economics, the MBA Program in Health Care Management, and the BS in Economics with a Concentration in Health Care Management and Policy. (Source: hcmg.wharton.upenn.edu)

Q: What is the HEALS Initiative at Wharton?

A: The Wharton School recently launched the Wharton Health Care Excellence and Leadership Strategy (HEALS) Initiative. The goal of HEALS is to improve population health and healthcare globally by leading the development and dissemination of knowledge related to health care leadership, management, and innovation. HEALS leverages the multidisciplinary expertise of the Wharton community to make a positive difference in health care. Its four key objectives are: Train leaders across all sectors of the health care industry; Cultivate high-impact research on health care leadership and management; Convene practitioners and researchers focused on health care leadership and management; and Engage and partner with Wharton health care management alumni. (Source: Wharton HEALS Initiative)

Q: How does the Wharton HCMG PhD program relate to health equity and maternal health research?

A: Wharton’s PhD program in Health Care Management and Economics provides rigorous training in applied economics and management coupled with advanced training in health care systems and health services research. Faculty members engage in research on major areas including: the impact of insurance status on medical expenditure and reported health status; potential sources of disparities in cardiovascular care; effects of Medicare Part D; and issues related to biopharmaceutical product variety and innovation. Doctoral students have opportunities to work closely with faculty at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, the Wharton Center for Health Management and Economics, and the University of Pennsylvania Health Care System. (Source: Wharton PhD Program in Health Care Management)

Q: What topic areas does Wharton’s HEALS Initiative focus on that are relevant to this postdoctoral position?

A: HEALS focuses on four topic areas highly relevant to maternal health equity research: (1) Patient Experience — Facilitating patient-centered care experiences and advancing understanding of patients’ experiences to improve their interactions with health systems; (2) Workforce Experience — Identifying factors that influence the healthcare workforce’s well-being and their ability to deliver care effectively; (3) Financing — Evaluating the impact of different financial models on organizations and patients, with the goal of improving the value of health care; and (4) Population Health — Illuminating how industry and organizational practices impact population health and actions that facilitate better health and longevity for individuals. (Source: Wharton HEALS Initiative)

Q: What is the relationship between Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton Health Care Management program?

A: The two schools have a long and robust history of collaboration. Wharton’s Health Care Management MBA major draws on an interdisciplinary faculty based in both Wharton and the Perelman School of Medicine, along with adjunct faculty with extensive practical experience. The postdoctoral training program in health services research at Penn is led from the Perelman School of Medicine and works in close collaboration with the Leonard Davis Institute, which also draws on expertise and mentoring from the Wharton School. Wharton HCMG doctoral students have opportunities to work closely with faculty at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and the University of Pennsylvania Health Care System. (Source: Wharton MBA Health Care Management)

Q: What are the PhD program requirements in Health Care Management at Wharton?

A: The Wharton PhD program in Health Care Management involves approximately 2 years of formal coursework and directed research, followed by a dissertation which generally takes 2 years to complete. Students normally complete all degree requirements in 4–5 years. The first year of coursework is normally spent on quantitative methods, economics, and courses in a selected disciplinary cluster, plus two health care systems courses. The preliminary examination at the end of the second year focuses on health, economics, microeconomics, and cost-effectiveness. Summary of course unit requirements: Health Care Systems (6), Statistics (2), Microeconomics (2), Major Disciplinary Cluster (6), plus Dissertation — for a total of 16 course units. (Source: Wharton PhD Program Requirements)

Q: How do I apply for this Postdoctoral Fellow position?

A: Please provide all of the following for your application to be considered complete:

• CV including list of publications
• Letter of Interest
• One (1) Reference Letter

Apply online at: https://apply.interfolio.com/182375. For questions about the position or application process, please contact Dr. Kimberly Glazer at Kimberly.Glazer@PennMedicine.upenn.edu.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.