Childhood Obesity 180 (CO180) at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University seeks an outstanding postdoctoral scholar to work on original research projects supported by our National Institute of Health (NIH) R01 Award that seeks to build a sustainable food economy with Food is Medicine (FIM) programs in the Mississippi Delta, to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. Program participants will be patients at the Delta Health Care Center in one of three selected counties. The three project aims are:
- To design a novel intervention that bolsters the local food economy and deliver food is medicine programming to a minority population within communities with persistent disadvantage.
- To test whether the novel intervention reduces health disparities by improving outcomes related to obesity and diabetes among a rural minority population.
- Generate a replicable and scalable food economy model to reduce obesity and improve diabetes.
This grant aims to recruit and support researchers who are nationally underrepresented in health-related research, such as candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups; socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; or having disabilities. Postdoctoral candidates from diverse backgrounds who represent the diversity of the research workforce are encouraged to apply. For more information on eligibility, please see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-20-166.html (accessed January 6, 2022).
Candidates should be excited about thriving in the Friedman School’s environment which prides itself on productive, positive interpersonal relationships; an equal dedication to pathbreaking research and public health impact through nutrition; and a commitment to and strategy for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The Friedman School is a located in the Tufts’ downtown Boston campus and is a rare blend of interdisciplinary nutrition research and policy expertise, and a leader in science, education, and public policy, whose faculty work together to address large and complex food systems issues across the globe. You will have the opportunity to join over 200 Friedman School graduate students, other postdoctoral scholars, and faculty in seminars, workshops, and other scholarly and social activities as part of the Friedman School, the larger Tufts community, and Boston-area community of food systems scholars.
Mentoring and training will be under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI) and co-investigator (co-I) at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy: Dr. Christina Economos (PI), Dean ad interim and Professor, New Balance Chair in Childhood Nutrition and Dr. Erin Hennessey (co-I), Director ad interim of ChildObesity180 and Assistant Professor. The postdoctoral researcher will also work with a multi-disciplinary team from Tufts, Tugaloo College, Mississippi, and the Delta Health Centers in Mississippi. They will have the opportunity to interface with external national advisory committee members and other stakeholders. A major emphasis will be placed on contributing to intervention planning and implementation, data collection activities, leading original analyses and manuscripts, career development, and transition toward an independent research career. A competitive salary, benefits, and travel/educational opportunities in the interdisciplinary environment at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy are offered.
The postdoctoral scholar will work in a team-based approach with the PI and co-I, other project faculty, and the rest of the project team to achieve the project objectives. Scholars will focus on leading intervention design and implementation as well as evaluation, longitudinal data analyses, abstract preparation, and manuscript drafting, with an emphasis on timely scientific dissemination. The postdoctoral researcher will also interact with key external experts with knowledge and expertise on the design and implementation of food policies and participate in planning and leading stakeholder meetings. The overall work and findings of the postdoctoral researcher will be critical to inform the planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based dietary strategies to reduce health inequities in the U.S. We anticipate the postdoctoral researcher leading at least 2 original manuscripts per year as first author and contributing to additional manuscripts as a co-author.
This position is anticipated to be for two years with renewal after the first 12 months; further extension of the appointment is possible contingent on funding availability. The ability to work in the U.S. is required to apply for this position. Scholars are expected to work in the Boston campus and willing to travel to Mississippi at least once each year.
Preferred starting date is late Summer or early Fall 2023.
Qualifications
Required education, experience, and skills
Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD/DrPH/ScD) or MD plus additional training nutritional epidemiology, public health nutrition, food policy, biostatistics, or related fields; as well as a record of original, first-author research publications in one or more of these areas. Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong quantitative/analytical research skills, experience using analytic programs (e.g., STATA, SPSS, SAS, R) for data management and analysis, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team with collaborators.
Preferred education, experience, and skills
Formal coursework and research experience are preferred in areas relevant to the research aims. An interest/experience in dissemination and translational research is desirable.
Prior intervention design, and process as well as outcome evaluation experience desired but not required (as this is a skill that can be learned/gained while in the position).
Application Instructions
- Cover letter describing previous achievements, research interests, career goals, and why the candidate is suitable for this position (maximum 2 pages),
- CV including a list of relevant publications,
- Official copy of academic transcript(s) from undergraduate and graduate studies,
- Three formal reference letters.
- Questions can be submitted to sujata.dixit_joshi@tufts.edu. Applications will be considered as they are received.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Tufts University, founded in 1852, prioritizes quality teaching, highly competitive basic and applied research, and a commitment to active citizenship locally, regionally, and globally. Tufts University has also committed to becoming an anti-racist institution and prides itself on the continuous improvement of diversity, equity and inclusion work. Current and prospective employees of the university are expected to have and continuously develop skill in, and disposition for, positively engaging with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
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