NIH Neighborhoods and Health Lab Seeking Staff Scientist (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD)

The Neighborhoods and Health Lab is seeking a Staff Scientist to collaboratively develop and oversee a research program focused on the intersections between environment (e.g., built, natural, social, policy), behaviors, biology, and cardiometabolic health. Newly established in the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Neighborhoods and Health Lab – under the direction of Dr. Shannon Zenk – has a history of innovative work in studying the environmental context of health behaviors, with a particular emphasis on food and built environments. The Lab has expertise in observational and intervention research. It has collected data using observation (e.g., systematic social observation), wearable sensors (e.g., global positioning system tracker, accelerometer), and surveys (e.g., intercept, ecological momentary assessment). In addition, the Lab has expertise in the use of secondary health and environmental data such as electronic medical records, administrative records, and commercial business lists. The Neighborhoods and Health Lab takes an explicitly contextual and spatial approach to health outcomes and behaviors and uses a variety of resources to measure the environment and environmental exposures, including mapping, geographic imputation, and policy analyses. Finally, given the complex and contextual nature of the questions and data with which this lab engages, a variety of analytic and statistical approaches ranging from econometric to geospatial to simulation are used. Cross cutting each research project is a strong emphasis on the role of environmental exposure in creating and propagating health disparities. With the re-establishment of the Neighborhoods and Health Lab at NIH, the Lab will also pursue investigation of biological mechanisms to further illuminate causal pathways between exposures and health outcomes. Efforts undertaken by this lab will include observational studies of community cohorts, community interventions, and evaluations of natural experiments. In addition to performing world class research, the Staff Scientist will take the lead in managing and overseeing day-to-day operations of this large and complex research program.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Directing day-to-day operations of the Lab, including staff.
• Collaborating in the design and implementation of community-based studies.
• Managing day-to-day operations of primary data collection, including staff.
• Overseeing institutional review board and other administrative paperwork.
• Developing and maintaining community partnerships and relationships.
• Facilitating and carrying out secondary research based on cohort data and the Lab’s previously collected data.
• Contributing to growing the reach and reputation of the Neighborhoods and Health Lab throughout NIMHD, NIH, and beyond.

Qualifications and Job Details:

• Degree Required: Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., nursing science, epidemiology, public health, nutrition, psychology, medical sociology), with a minimum of five years of postdoctoral research experience gained through postdoctoral, faculty, and/or research scientist positions
• Location: Bethesda, Maryland
• Appointment Type: Government Position
• Work Schedule: Full-time position
• Citizenship: US Citizenship not required - (i.e., permanent resident, visa)
• Salary: Commensurate with experience

Exceptional written and verbal skills are required. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Strong publication record. Experience with primary data collection in the community. Expertise in minority health and health disparities research. Supervisory experience preferred.  

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. This position is subject to a background investigation. Salary is commensurate with research experience.

To apply: Send a cover letter highlighting key qualifications and experience, a current curriculum vita with complete bibliography, and a list of three references with contact information to Dr. Kelly Jones at [email protected] with the email subject heading: Neighborhoods and Health Lab Staff Scientist Application [applicant last name]. For questions please contact Dr. Kelly Jones at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt; this position will remain open until filled.