Postdoctoral Research Position in Tobacco and Environmental Health at San Diego State University, USA (2026)

San Diego State University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar position at the Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE). This interdisciplinary research opportunity focuses on tobacco-related environmental pollution, public health, community engagement, and policy-oriented environmental research. 

The position is ideal for researchers interested in:

  • environmental health,
  • public health,
  • tobacco control,
  • environmental pollution,
  • epidemiology,
  • policy research,
  • and community-engaged science.

About the Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE)

The Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE) was established in 2022 at San Diego State University and is co-directed by:

  • Dr. Georg E. Matt
  • Dr. Thomas Novotny

The center’s mission is to:

reduce and eliminate the environmental and health impacts caused by commercial tobacco use.

The research center combines:

  • environmental science,
  • public health,
  • community engagement,
  • and policy-focused research

to address tobacco-related pollution in indoor and outdoor environments. 

Position Details

FeatureDetails
Position    Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Institution    San Diego State University
Center    Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE)
Location        California, USA
Employment Type    Full-Time
Work Arrangement    In-person with limited remote work
Salary    USD $5,858.67/month
Experience Required    0–5 years
Application Review Begins    7 May 2026
Status    Open Until Filled

Research Focus

The position centers on tobacco pollution and environmental exposure research.

The scholar will contribute to studies investigating:

  • indoor tobacco contamination,
  • outdoor tobacco pollution,
  • third hand smoke exposure,
  • environmental toxicology,
  • and public health impacts of tobacco waste. 

Current Major Research Programs

The center hosts multiple funded initiatives including: Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center

Focused on:

  • public dissemination,
  • scientific outreach,
  • and tobacco exposure education.

The center uses websites, social media, webinars, newsletters, and public engagement strategies. 

Policy Research Center for Tobacco and the Environment

This initiative focuses on:

  • reducing tobacco product waste,
  • protecting indoor and outdoor environments,
  • and supporting evidence-based environmental policies.

The research contributes to California’s long-term goal of:

ending commercial tobacco sales and use by 2035. 

Main Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will join a multidisciplinary scientific team investigating tobacco-related environmental pollution.

1. Research Project Management (50%)

Responsibilities include:

  • managing field-based research projects,
  • coordinating data collection,
  • community engagement,
  • developing research protocols,
  • staff training,
  • and preparing reports for stakeholders and policymakers. 

2. Data Analysis and Scientific Writing (35%)

The researcher will:

  • conduct data analysis,
  • write scientific manuscripts,
  • present findings at conferences,
  • and contribute to grant proposal development.

Importantly, the scholar is expected to submit an NIH or TRDRP grant within the first year. 

3. Mentorship and Training (10%)

The position includes:

  • mentoring undergraduate students,
  • supervising graduate research assistants,
  • and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific training. 

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

  • A doctoral degree in a relevant field
  • 0–5 years of related research experience

The position is particularly relevant for candidates from:

  • environmental health,
  • public health,
  • epidemiology,
  • toxicology,
  • environmental sciences,
  • or related disciplines. 

Important Special Requirement

Because of contamination risks associated with research samples, candidates must confirm that they are:
not exposed to active tobacco, electronic cigarette, or cannabis residue. 

Work Environment

The role is primarily full-time and in-person with limited remote work allowed (less than 8 hours/week).

Some research activities may occasionally occur outside regular business hours. Reliable transportation is required. 

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a major public research institution recognized for:

  • interdisciplinary research,
  • public health innovation,
  • and community-focused scientific programs.

The CTE includes researchers from:

  • Health and Human Services,
  • Sciences,
  • Arts & Letters,
  • and Professional Studies & Fine Arts. 

Why This Opportunity Matters

Environmental tobacco pollution is an increasingly important global public health issue. This position offers advanced training in:

  • environmental exposure science,
  • policy-oriented research,
  • public health communication,
  • community-engaged science,
  • and interdisciplinary environmental research.

Researchers interested in:

  •  environmental toxicology,
  • tobacco prevention,
  • environmental epidemiology,
  • and policy research

will find this opportunity highly valuable.

Application Information

To receive full consideration, applicants should submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Completed employment application

Candidates must also:

  • reside in California,
  • and live within commuting distance of SDSU at the time of hire. 

Official Application Link

Apply here: SDSU Job Portal


Final Thoughts

This postdoctoral research position at San Diego State University provides an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers interested in:

  • environmental health,
  • tobacco control,
  • public health policy,
  • and community-engaged environmental science.

Because environmental contamination and exposure science are rapidly growing research fields worldwide, this role offers strong long-term academic, public health, and policy career potential.


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