Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Center Social Innovation

Boston College Introduction

Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Center for Social Innovation
FTE Range $66,000 - $75,813 based on experience

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will study child mental health in the United States, focusing on how children, youth, and families experience stress during periods of transition, such as in the aftermath of severe weather events or other crises. The fellow will conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand risk and protective factors influencing mental health outcomes for children, as well as the role of family dynamics and support systems during these challenging times.

This includes examining the use of digital technology and social media, as well as access to essential services such as psychosocial support, education, healthcare, and community resources for both children and caregivers.

The research will aim to understand how youth utilize the tools available to them to support their health and wellbeing during challenging periods of transition, including formal supports such as mental health care and informal supports like social networks. It will also identify strategies to strengthen resilience and promote long-term well-being for children and families, aligning with UNICEF’s commitment to ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment with access to mental health and psychosocial support.

Findings will inform policy and advocacy recommendations to advance effective and efficient strategies to support the health and well-being of children. The ultimate goal is to help build systems that protect children’s mental health during crises, transitions, and beyond.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work closely with Boston College’s Barry Family Professor in Social Work, Dr. Christopher P. Salas-Wright, on qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts related to child mental health and how children and families experience stress during periods of transition. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will also work with UNICEF USA Senior Director of Research, Evaluation, and Research Partnerships, Dr.

Anne Day Leong, and Dr. Salas-Wright on policy recommendations, research translation, and other dissemination and local community, national, and international research impact objectives.

Essential Function:

• Conduct qualitative research with children and parents, including designing interview guides, conducting qualitative interviews, coding qualitative data, and writing scholarly manuscripts and reports;
• Conduct quantitative research with a focus on children, youth, and families, including the collection of survey data, data analysis, and writing scholarly manuscripts and reports;
• Collaborate with Dr. Salas-Wright and Dr. Day Leong in dissemination efforts, including community presentations and the dissemination of reports to relevant professionals and organizations working with children, youth, and families;
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders in the Eastern US (e.g., Boston, DC-area).

At the conclusion of the fellowship, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to deliver a public policy-relevant report reflecting both qualitative and quantitative research on the above topics. UNICEF USA will use the research report to inform its advocacy efforts.

Although the Postdoctoral Research Fellow can maintain a regular business hours schedule most of the time, there will be a need to conduct some work in the evenings or on weekends. Working conditions for physical demands are limited to the use of the computer, the use of the telephone, and the ability to travel to community organizations. Some travel within the United States is required.

• A Ph.D. in a…