Tenure-Track Investigator - Social & Behavioral Sciences

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland

The Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch (SBSB) in the Division of Population Health Research (DiPHR) is part of the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/diphr/officebranch/sbsb ). SBSB invites applications for a tenure-track investigator position to establish an independent research program on the social determinants of health including health-related behaviors and childrenÕs development.

The mission of SBSB is to conduct research on the social and behavioral determinants of health and health-related behaviors; to develop and test educational, behavioral, and environmental strategies for improving health and health-related behaviors; and to conduct research on the problem of disparities in health, the developmental mechanisms underlying health disparities over the life course, and modifiable intervention targets to reduce disparities. Research within SBSB is closely aligned with the NICHD's Strategic Plan (https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/NICHD_Strategic_Plan.pdf ) and with DiPHR's population-based research on health during pregnancy and on child development from infancy through adolescence and emerging adulthood.

Current research programs in the branch focus on behavioral nutrition and the social determinants of child development and mental health. The branch is seeking to broaden its expertise and impact in health disparities research by incorporating cutting edge theories and methods from across the social and behavioral sciences into both observational and experimental research. This may include, for example, research on the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms that lead to disparities during developmentally sensitive periods; research on the social forces and institutions driving health disparities; the design and implementation of population-based interventions to reduce disparities; and innovative measurement approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. We seek candidates interested in working on the problem of disparities in populations that are diverse in multiple ways such as race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual and gender minority status, disability, and immigration status.

SBSB is seeking applicants with a team science orientation who have expertise and interests in areas that would intersect with and complement existing research in the branch. Branch scientists collaborate with researchers in DiPHR's Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Bioinformatics branches as well as faculty throughout the NIH IRP. The SBSB mission highlights recruiting and training the next generation of leaders in the social and behavioral sciences as well as institutional and professional service. Branch scientists mentor trainees at the post-baccalaureate, pre-doctoral, and post-doctoral levels. We seek candidates with strong commitments to mentoring and to promoting a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

NICHD offers an outstanding research environment. Resources for tenure track investigators include full salary support as well as funding for trainees and original population-based research initiatives. Candidates must have a doctoral degree in the social or behavioral sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology), public health (e.g., social epidemiology), medicine, or related discipline, as well as relevant research experience and publications in refereed journals. Appointees may be US citizens, resident aliens, or non-resident aliens with or eligible to obtain a valid employment-authorized visa. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).

Interested candidates should email a complete application package consisting of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement, a diversity and inclusion statement, and the names and affiliations of three references to: Ms. Adrienne Lonaberger; Program Analyst, DiPHR, NICHD; [email protected] .

Interested candidates should also have three letters of reference sent to Ms. Lonaberger.

Please include in your diversity and inclusion statement a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. All inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Tonja Nansel, chair of the search committee. Complete applications received by May 30, 2022, will be considered for a first round of interviews, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. The anticipated start date for the selected candidates Fall of 2022.

Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Employees providing healthcare or services in support of healthcare (Healthcare Workforce) may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because they are expected to perform duties that put them in contact or potential contact with patients. We may request COVID-19 vaccination, and other vaccination documentation from Healthcare Workforce personnel at any point during the onboarding process or at any time during your employment with NIH.

HHS, NIH, and NICHD are equal opportunity employers. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. 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.