NIH Neighborhoods and Health Lab Seeking Staff Scientist

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, Maryland

The Neighborhoods and Health Lab is seeking a Staff Scientist to collaboratively develop and oversee a research program focused on the intersections between climate change, environmental exposure (e.g., built, natural, social, policy), behaviors, and cardiometabolic health. 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, commercial business lists, and satellite surveillance. The Neighborhoods and Health Lab takes an explicitly contextual and spatial approach to understanding 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. Efforts undertaken by this lab will include observational studies of community cohorts, community interventions, and evaluations of natural experiments. Of particular interest is the role of rising summertime temperatures throughout all regions of the United States. 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, budget, purchasing, ongoing lab trainings, and institute responsibilities.
• Collaborating in the design and implementation of community-based studies.
• Managing all aspects of primary data collection projects.
• Disseminating methods and findings through first and co-authored publications and presentations.
• Developing and maintaining community partnerships and relationships.
• Facilitating and carrying out secondary research based on cohort data and the Lab’s previously collected data.
• Overseeing institutional review board and all other regulatory requirements.
• Contributing to growing the reach and reputation of the Neighborhoods and Health Lab throughout NIMHD, NIH, and beyond.

• Degree Required: Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., environmental health sciences, nursing science, epidemiology, public health, nutrition, psychology, medical sociology, biometeorology), with a minimum of three 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, health disparities, and/or environmental exposure research.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

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.

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.