Prospective Postdoctoral Scholars

Resources for Prospective Postdoctoral Scholars

We offer postdoctoral positions in both established fellowship programs and those arranged by individual request, depending upon your area of interest and the availability of resources within those areas. An individualized postdoctoral mentoring plan is designed in collaboration with a sponsoring faculty member.

Explore the following resources to learn how to apply for an established fellowship program or submit an individual request.

How to Apply: Individualized Postdoctoral Study

Finding the right mentor is critical to your success as a postdoctoral scholar. To find a faculty member who matches your research interests, visit UCSF Profiles. In the search tool, enter your research topic and select “School of Nursing.” If you are a current student or graduate of our PhD program, you may also speak with your current PhD program mentor for recommendations.

Once you have identified a faculty mentor, inquire about a postdoctoral position directly with the faculty mentor. Send a letter of interest and your CV directly to the PI. At UCSF, postdocs are not hired through a central office; they are hired by individual faculty members and labs.

How to Apply: Fellowship Programs

Next Generation Nurse Scientists Ending the HIV Epidemic (Next Gen Nursing EHE) Program

The goal of the Next Generation Nursing Scientists Ending the HIV Epidemic (Next Gen Nursing EHE) program is to train a diverse cadre of nursing scientists with the research skills needed to lead efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research (T32 NR020776) and co-directed by Carol Dawson-Rose, professor, and Glenn-Milo Santos, professor, this new program will build on almost 30 years of cutting-edge HIV research and training in the School of Nursing. 

The Next Gen Nursing EHE program is situated within the UCSF research-intensive academic setting, with extensive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration with entities such as the International Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Clinical Training in Nursing, AIDS Research Institute, the Center for AIDS Research, and the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, along with clinical settings that include the original San Francisco Model clinic Ward 86 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.   
  
The Next Generation Nursing EHE program will include training opportunities for four predoctoral and two postdoctoral nurse scholars each year. Applicants must be nurses, and must be U.S. citizens or green card-holders.   
 
For more information about the program, or to apply, please contact Yvette Cuca ([email protected], 415-502-8081).

Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS) Program 

The Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS) program provides training, mentorship and funding for postdoctoral scholars to design studies that prioritize reproductive justice as the primary approach to reproductive health services provision, including abortion, birth, contraception, healthy sexuality, parenting and pleasure. This program seeks scholars who are enthusiastic and passionate about transformational change toward reproductive health and justice. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to train the next generation of thought leaders and change agents in nursing leadership and faculty positions around the country. Candidates are eligible if they have completed any one of the following:

  • PhD degree in nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
  • PhD, ScD or DrPH in biomedical or social sciences

To learn more, including how to apply, visit the ACTIONS website or contact Project Director Nikki Lanshaw.

Biobehavioral Research Program in Symptom Science

The School of Nursing offers a T32 biobehavioral research training in symptom science, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research. The program provides support for three postdoctoral fellows each year. Learn more.

Interested applicants should send the following information to program co-director Sandra Weiss, professor at the School of Nursing:

  1. Your CV
  2. A goal statement describing how you envision the training will contribute to your program of research and research career
  3. Two letters of reference from faculty mentors or colleagues
  4. Two examples of your scholarly work

National Clinician Scholars Program

In partnership with the National Clinician Scholars Program, the UCSF School of Nursing and School of Medicine offer a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to prepare nurse and physician leaders to be change agents, driving policy-oriented research and partnerships to build health equity. Nurse-scientists who have completed their doctoral program are eligible to apply.

To learn more, including how to apply, visit the NCSP website or review the brochure, and contact Susan Chapman, professor at the UCSF School of Nursing and co-director of the NCSP program. See flier for important dates regarding the 2021 application period.

San Francisco VA Quality Scholars Fellowship Program

The San Francisco VA Quality Scholars Program trains leaders and scholars in health care quality improvement.in order to lead change nationally and internationally. The San Francisco program is one of 11 sites nationally, and it is a partnership between the SFVA and UCSF that has an interprofessional emphasis with physicians, doctoral-trained nurses, clinical psychologists and pharmacists as fellows and faculty. Exceptional candidates with an interest in quality or implementation research, leadership or education are encouraged to apply.

To learn more, including how to apply, contact Margaret Wallhagen, professor at the School of Nursing and senior nurse scholar with the program.

Explore Open UCSF Postdoctoral Positions

The UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development includes open postdoctoral positions at UCSF on its jobs board.

FAQs for Prospective Postdoctoral Scholars

1. I have my own funding source. Is it possible to have a position created for me?

Yes, if you are coming to UCSF with your own funding and your research is aligned with that of a UCSF School of Nursing faculty member, an opening may be a good fit for you. Follow the steps in the "How to Apply: Individualized Postdoctoral Study" section above to begin the application process. 

2. How do I plan my postdoc?

Refer to the postdoc timeline

3. I am an international student. How do I obtain a visa? 

The UCSF International Students and Scholars Office provides support to international scholars, including guidance on the visa process. The pre-arrival checklist provides step-by-step guidance as you prepare to study in the United States. 

Postdoctoral scholars at UCSF receive a competitive salary, with annual increases and medical, dental and vision benefits