A detailed cover letter and list of references is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.

Additional materials can be sent to agearhar@umich.edu.

The FAST Lab (Food and Addiction Science & Treatment Lab) at the University of Michigan, directed by Ashley N. Gearhardt, Ph.D., is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their implications for public health, policy, and clinical science.

The fellow will contribute to a growing portfolio of projects investigating the behavioral, neurobiological, and societal mechanisms that drive problematic consumption of highly processed foods. Research in the lab spans behavioral experiments, large observational datasets, survey studies, conceptual and theoretical scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaborations examining addiction mechanisms, eating behavior, and the design of the modern food environment.

This position offers opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and translational work aimed at informing public health and regulatory responses to the modern food environment. The fellow will also have opportunities to collaborate with faculty across psychology, public health, nutrition, medicine, and public policy at the University of Michigan.

The postdoctoral fellow will:
 

• Lead and collaborate on manuscripts examining ultra-processed foods, addictive processes, eating behavior, and related health outcomes
• Conduct and oversee statistical analyses using large datasets and ongoing lab studies
• Develop and contribute to conceptual and theory-driven papers addressing addiction mechanisms, food system design, and public health implications
• Participate in interdisciplinary projects related to the regulation, litigation, and public health response to ultra-processed foods
• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and undergraduate trainees
• Assist with grant development and research dissemination
• Contribute to the collaborative intellectual environment of the FAST Lab and the broader University of Michigan research community

The position is particularly well suited for scholars interested in bridging rigorous empirical science with real-world public health implications related to the modern food environment.

• A Ph.D. in psychology, public health, nutrition, behavioral science, epidemiology, neuroscience, or a related field
• Strong writing skills and demonstrated productivity in peer-reviewed publications
• Advanced quantitative and statistical analysis skills
• Excellent organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and highly collaborative research environment
• Experience with addiction science, eating behavior, nutritional epidemiology, policy research, or interdisciplinary public health research is highly desirable.
• Experience with R, SPSS, Python, Stata, or other statistical programming environments
• Strong interest in research related to ultra-processed foods, addictive processes, eating behavior, or food policy

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The salary range is $65,000 - $72,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is May 1st, 2026.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.