Staff Scientist (Chronic Disease Epidemiology)

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Position Description:

The Epidemiology Branch in the Division of Intramural Research of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina is recruiting a Staff Scientist to help lead the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF)Study in the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group under the leadership of Dr. Dale Sandler.

The GuLF Study (

https://gulfstudy.nih.gov

), initiated following the 2010

Deepwater Horizon

disaster in the Gulf of Mexico to study health effects in oil spill clean-up and response workers, has been following 32,000 individuals since enrollment in 2011-2013. Participants completed questionnaires, provided biological and environmental samples, and completed clinical assessments. Follow-up includes periodic surveys, a clinical exam with collection of additional biological samples, and linkage to the National Death Index and State cancer registries. These data, together with comprehensive exposure assessment, allow research on a wide range of health outcomes. Much of the cohort resides in areas of the US that are socioeconomically disadvantaged and medically underserved, offering opportunities to study the impact of these disparities on health. 

The selected candidate will work with GuLF Study investigators to provide oversight, management, and scientific leadership for the study.  In addition to conducting independent and collaborative epidemiologic research using study data, the Staff Scientist in this position will help guide students and other investigators using GuLF Study data. This includes facilitating collaborations with intramural and extramural scientists, working with contractors to oversee data management, data sharing, and study operations, and communicating study results to a wide-range of constituencies including the scientific community, governmental agencies, oversight committees, study participants, and the press. 

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a doctoral degree and at least 2 years of postdoctoral training and/or a significant level of accomplishment in epidemiology or environmental health sciences, including a strong record of relevant scientific publications.  Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record of multi-disciplinary research on health effects of environmental exposures or disasters. The successful candidate will have formal or informal experience in mentoring and collaboration, demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal communications, and have strong quantitative skills with experience in one or more of the following areas: molecular genetics, biomarkers, chemical mixtures, GIS-linked spatial analyses, social/behavioral research, exposure assessment, cohort studies, multi-level models, and/or methods for causal inference.  Prior research mental health outcomes, pulmonary function and respiratory health, neurological function, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, or other health conditions plausibly related to oil spill exposure is also a plus.  Appointees may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or non-resident aliens who have, or are eligible to obtain, a valid employment authorization visa. 

Salary/Benefits:  Salary for this Staff Scientist level position will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.  Full federal benefits including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) apply.

Staff Scientist Positions

: Staff Scientists at NIH are similar to some non-tenure track researchers at universities in that their primary role is to support the work of other investigators, yet they also conduct independent research. Staff Scientists are generally appointed to a time-limited position that is renewable depending on program needs and performance evaluations. The initial appointment for this position will be four years. Additional information on Staff Scientist positions at NIH can be found at

https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/personnel/ipds-appointment-mechanisms/staff-scientist

. 

Foreign Education:

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the US must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at

http://www.naces.org

. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

To Apply:

Interested persons should assemble a

combined single PDF

that includes a CV, two-page statement of research experience and goals, and copies of two relevant publications. Write

NR129

in the subject line and email the PDF to

[email protected]

.

Applicants should also arrange for

three letters of reference

in PDF format to be sent directly to

[email protected]

.  Referees should be sure to include your name and write NR129 in the subject line of their email.

Questions about this position can be sent to

[email protected]

or to Dr. Dale Sandler at 

[email protected]

.

Incomplete or paper applications will not be accepted

.  Applications should be received no later than 

November 12, 2021

to be considered. 

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/