Postdoctoral Research Associate in Health Economics

Department of Finance

Gies College of Business
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Health Care Research Initiative

Seeking a full-time postdoctoral research associate to work on applied economics research projects in health, environmental, and education with Dr. David Molitor, Associate Professor of Finance and Economics at Gies College of Business, University of Illinois, starting in Fall 2026. The position is part of the Health Care Research Initiative (HCRI), which aims to transform health and health care delivery through innovative research, education, and partnerships. The successful candidate will contribute to this effort, working closely with Dr. Molitor and other HCRI scholars. The postdoctoral research associate will also engage with a strong and vibrant community of economists at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, including those at the Center for Business and Public Policy (CBPP) at Gies College of Business.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in economics or related field by the start of the position
• Advanced training in econometrics and related empirical methods
• Strong programming skills in Stata, R, Python, or similar software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Medicare data or other large administrative data sets
• Experience designing and implementing randomized controlled trials in the field
• Geospatial skills, including experience with GIS software and geospatial data analysis
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
• Strong writing and communication skills

Essential Functions

• Collaborate on research; priorities will be set in conversation with Dr. David Molitor
• Curate and analyze data, such as administrative Medicare data
• Support research activity through RA supervision, DUA management, and grant writing
• Contribute to the overall goals of HCRI, including HCRI-related public goods
• Actively participate in the intellectual life at Illinois Gies and CBPP
• Work to promote teamwork and collegiality

Working Conditions: Office environment in Champaign, Illinois.

Work Schedule: Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Occasional flexibility in schedule may be required for research events, conferences, or other activities.

Appointment Status: 100% time, 12-month academic appointment. This is a 100% full-time Academic position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after August 16, 2026. The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Starting Date: Proposed starting date is August 16, 2026.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

For full consideration, applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on 01/06/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Questions can be addressed to Dr. David Molitor at dmolitor@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.