The Physical Activity and Women’s Health (PAWH) Lab at the University of Iowa invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar in the field of epidemiology, exercise science, and maternal-child health. The overall mission of the PAWH lab is to better understand the determinants and health effects of modifiable lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sedentary behavior, physical activity, sleep) to inform behavioral interventions to improve health outcomes in at-risk populations, including pregnant people and their offspring, rural populations, and marginalized groups. The individual selected for this NIH-NHLBI funded postdoctoral position would primarily work on a multi-site observational cohort study examining associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep patterns across pregnancy trimesters with adverse pregnancy outcomes (Pregnancy 24/7 Study). There will also be opportunities to get involved in a follow-up cohort study examining pregnancy activity patterns and offspring health through 24 months (Pregnancy 24/7 Offspring Study). The postdoc will contribute to the laboratory by conducting data analysis, writing manuscripts and grant applications, actively participating in collaborative research meetings and journal club sessions, and attending departmental seminars. The postdoc will also be expected to develop and test novel research ideas using data from our ongoing cohort studies. The primary mentor for this position is Dr. Kara Whitaker (https://clas.uiowa.edu/hhp/people/kara-m-whitaker), but the postdoc will also collaborate with a larger team of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, obstetricians and gynecologists, and pediatricians at the University of Iowa, University of Pittsburgh, and West Virginia University. The preferred start date for this 2-year position is June 1, 2024, but alternate start dates will be considered.

The ideal candidate will be interested in an academic career conducting epidemiological research related to sedentary behavior, physical activity, sleep, maternal-child health, and/or cardiovascular disease. 

Applicants should submit their application through the Jobs@UIOWA website.  Application material includes a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest describing research interests and experience, and contact information for at least two references. 

Questions about the position can be directed to Kara Whitaker at kara-whitaker@uiowa.edu. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

The Department and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are strongly committed to diversity; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment. 

• PhD degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.

• Strong statistical background with ability to analyze data independently.


• Experience with several statistical software programs (i.e., SAS, R);


• Existing track record of peer-reviewed scientific journal publications.


• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.


• Able to work and learn independently and motivated to contribute to the wider research mission of the lab.


• Well-organized and able to coordinate and interact with a team of other graduate students, research assistants, undergraduates, and intra- and extramural collaborators.


• Highly motivated.

• Experience with accelerometers (i.e., activPAL, ActiGraph, Actiwatch).


• Familiarity with isotemporal substitution and compositional data analysis to examine associations of 24-hour behaviors with health outcomes.