Postdoc Application

The application period for the ACTIONS postdoctoral fellowship 

is currently open.

 Postdoctoral Fellowship - Call for Applications

Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS) is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow whose research focuses on abortion and/or contraception in the United States healthcare context and who aim to become reproductive health leaders who can transform abortion, contraception and sexual and reproductive health educational programs for future nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals; generate new research and policy on nursing, midwifery, and reproductive health workforce issues; and advance interdisciplinary curricula on reproductive justice. We seek clinical researchers or social scientists with a doctoral degree in nursing (e.g., PhD, DNP) or a PhD, ScD, or DrPH in social or biomedical sciences. Applicants with nursing and/or midwifery credentials will be prioritized.

The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with ACTIONS faculty directors and staff to participate in ongoing reproductive health research, education and mentoring. The postdoctoral fellow will concurrently pursue their own abortion- and/or contraception-focused research and training with the goal of advancing to a faculty or other academic or clinical leadership position at the end of the fellowship. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic research and education to expand nursing and midwifery’s role, reach, and impact in abortion and contraceptive healthcare. The position can be remote.

Position Qualifications

  • DNP or PhD in nursing, or PhD, ScD or DrPH in social or biomedical science. Nursing or midwifery credentials preferred.
  • U.S. citizenship, non-citizen national status, or permanent residency 
  • Demonstrated interest in advancing nursing/midwifery’s role in abortion and contraception healthcare in the US context 
  • Doctoral-level training in quantitative or qualitative research or evaluation methods; Curricular and/or clinical training experience in abortion, contraception or sexual and reproductive health preferred.
  • Experience with scientific writing and manuscript preparation 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and organizational skills 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 
  • Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Research Environment / Training Context

ACTIONS is an innovative fellowship that provides a unique opportunity to train the next generation of thought leaders and change agents in nursing leadership and faculty positions across the United States. ACTIONS scholars are enthusiastic and passionate about transformational change toward reproductive health and justice. ACTIONS connects, mentors, and supports scholars pursuing pre- and postdoctoral studies at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The program provides funding for pre- and post-doctoral 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. Core components of the fellowship are designed to meet the needs of each scholar and foster a collaborative learning environment that is supported through mentorship. 

The program offers the following: 

  • Research and career guidance from UCSF faculty 
  • Leadership opportunities and network building through ACTIONS-sponsored events 
  • Professional development 
  • Support in applying for research grants 
  • Stipend and educational support funds

How to Apply

Submit application materials as a single PDF via email to [email protected]. Applications received by March 1, 2026 will receive priority review. This position is open until filled. 

Application Materials: 

  1. Curriculum Vitae 
  2. Cover letter 
  3. Research statement (two pages maximum) including the following elements: a. Specific area of research you would like to pursue during the postdoctoral fellowship, b. Summary of prior research or evaluation experience, including a description of dissertation research.
  4. Personal statement (one page maximum) including the following elements: a. Interest and/or prior work in abortion and contraception research and training, b. Goals for your postdoctoral study – both what you would like to accomplish and what you would like to gain from it (including training and professional development goals).
  5. A recent writing sample (such as a dissertation chapter, peer reviewed publication, or report)