Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch (SBSB) Division of Population Health Research (DiPHR) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (HHS) SBSB within DiPHR is part of the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of NICHD. SBSB invites applications for a tenure-track investigator position to establish an independent research program within our branch.
The SBSB mission is to conduct research on the social and behavioral determinants of health and health disparities over the life course and to develop and test educational, behavioral, and environmental strategies for improving health and health-related behaviors. Research within SBSB is closely aligned with NICHD’s Strategic Plan (PDF 2.2 MB) 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. This may include, for example:
- Research on the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms that lead to health 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
- Innovative measurement approaches in the social and behavioral sciences
We seek candidates interested in working on the problem of health 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 have synergy with existing research in the branch, who are passionate about contributing to our mission of recruiting and training the next generation of leaders in the social and behavioral sciences, and who have a strong commitment 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., psychology, sociology, neuroscience), public health (e.g., social epidemiology), medicine, or related discipline, as well as relevant research experience and publications in refereed journals.
Interested candidates should email DiPHR Program Analyst Adrienne Lonaberger, greenad@mail.nih.gov, their application along with the following:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement describing research experience, future research plans, and synergy between their research and research conducted in SBSB (maximum of 4 pages)
- A statement describing mentoring experience (including of persons who are underrepresented in biomedical research) and experience and accomplishments promoting diversity and inclusion (maximum of 1 page)
- The names and affiliations of three references
Interested candidates should also have three letters of reference sent to Ms. Lonaberger.
All inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Tonja Nansel, chair of the search committee, at tonja.nansel@nih.gov. Complete applications received by September 30, 2024, will be considered for the first round of interviews, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Appointees may be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or non-U.S. citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available, including retirement, health insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent). The position is subject to a background check.
HHS, NIH, and NICHD are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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.
