Skip to content
Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

Assistant/Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Title Assistant/Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
School Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Position Description The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is seeking a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor with expertise in the social determinants of health. We invite applications from candidates who use social and behavioral/social epidemiological theories, concepts and methods to measure the impact of structural and sociopolitical factors on physical or mental health, as well as demonstrate a particular understanding of health inequities, the social determinants of health, and the mechanisms that link these factors to health outcomes across the life course.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated expertise in public health, quantitative or qualitative methods, and social epidemiologic or other relevant theories for studying the social determinants of health. Ideal candidates should have work which focuses on a) empirical analysis of health inequities b) quantitative or qualitative analysis of the social determinants of physical or mental health, c) investigation of social, psychological, and biological connections between socioenvironmental factors and physical or mental health; and/or d) applying a life course perspective to population health research. Demonstrated use of intersectional theories, concepts, and methods is desirable. Candidates with expertise in criminal justice and mass incarceration, mental health, migration, and/or social policy are highly encouraged to apply.

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers an exceptional environment in which its mission is achieved through research to identify the social and behavioral determinants of health, development and evaluation of interventions and policies leading to the improvement of population health, and the preparation of professionals and researchers who will fill leadership positions in advocacy and public service. The department’s educational mission is to train both scholars and practitioners: scholars whose research will illuminate basic social determinants of health and who will identify and test innovative social policy and service interventions; practitioners who are skilled in designing, implementing, and evaluating health-enhancing interventions in action settings. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s mission through his or her research and through teaching and advising students in the doctoral and master’s programs in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and mentoring postdoctoral fellows.

We encourage applications from members of groups recognized by the US National Science Foundation and US National Institutes of Health as being underrepresented in the scientific and biomedical workforce and also recognized by the NIH as constituting “health disparity” populations, i.e., African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Hispanics (or Latinos), Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; individuals with disabilities; women; and sexual and gender minorities.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks to find, develop, promote, and retain the world’s best scholars. We are committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school and the communities we serve.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged.

 

Information on resources for career development and work/life balance at HSPH can be found at: http://hsph.me/resources-career-development-and-work-life-balance.
Basic Qualifications Interested applicants should hold a PhD, ScD, or equivalent doctoral degree in social epidemiology, epidemiology, or a related public health field; or a doctoral degree in psychology, sociology or other social science discipline with qualitative or quantitative training in public health. Candidates are required to have their doctorate degree by the time the appointment begins, and academic rank will be determined in accordance with the successful candidate’s experience and accomplishments.
Additional Qualifications We encourage early career applicants. Ideal candidates have demonstrated excellence in conducting and disseminating research, as well as designing and teaching graduate-level courses. A strong record of externally funded research is desirable.
Special Instructions
Contact Information Monika Szperka, Search Administrator
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard TH Chan SPH
677 Huntington Ave. Bldg 3, 7th fl
Boston, MA 02115
Contact Email mszperka@hsph.harvard.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Minimum Number of References Required 4
Maximum Number of References Allowed 6

Supplemental Questions:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this position?
    • Harvard ARIeS Website
    • HSPH Faculty Openings Website
    • Referred by colleague
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • Other journal advertisement
    • Nomination Letter
    • Professional Conference or Listserv

Applicant Documents:

Required Documents

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  4. Statement of Research
  5. Publication
  6. Publication 2

Optional Documents

  1. Publication 3
  2. Publication 4
  3. Publication 5
  4. Course Evaluation
  5. Course Evaluation

Postdoctoral Fellowship

NICHD (T32) Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC) at Brown University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellow to start on or around July 1, 2020. This position is sponsored by the NIH and is contingent on continued funding. The initial term of appointment is one year, but reappointment for a second year is expected, subject to good performance.

The PSTC builds scientific understanding of local, national, and global population challenges and their implications for health and well-being. Research at the PSTC is distinguished by its commitment for collaboration across disciplinary and institutional boundaries as well as its strong portfolio of global research. PSTC focuses on demographic research in six main areas: children, families, and health; migration and urbanization; population and environment; demographic change and global development; reproductive health and HIV/AIDS; and social inequalities. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the PSTC website to learn of research activities, intra-institutional links, and faculty affiliate interests.

We also welcome applicants with financial support from other sources, including NIH F32 Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to spend part of their time working independently and part of their time working collaboratively with one or more mentors among our faculty affiliates. In addition, postdoctoral fellows are expected to coordinate or participate in relevant working groups, regularly attend the weekly PSTC Colloquia and other PSTC workshops and mentoring activities, present their work to the PSTC community, present research at the Population Association of America (PAA) annual meetings, and submit one or more articles for publication. They are encouraged to prepare grant applications. We request that applicants visit our PSTC faculty page and identify one or two potential faculty mentors; however, applicants do not need to contact potential mentors prior to submitting an application.

Apply online at https://apply.interfolio.com/69739. Screening of applications will begin on December 2, 2019, and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should provide CV, 2 example(s) of written work, and a cover letter with the following information: background, research interests, and plans, 1 or 2 anticipated PSTC faculty mentor(s), and future employment goals. Please have three letters of recommendation submitted online through interfolio.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Contact Tom Alarie (thomas_alarie@brown.edu) or Ana Karina Wildman (ana_wildman@brown.edu) with any questions.

Post Doc – Aging Studies Institute

The Aging Studies Institute (ASI) in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Demography and Economics of Aging, with a specialization in Population Health. The Aging Studies Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professor Montez and other ASI Faculty Associates on health disparities research projects. Preference will be given to candidates who are interested in social determinants of health; the early-life origins of health in mid-to-late life; and/or macro-level structural factors shaping health inequalities. As a member of the Policy, Place, and Population Health Lab, the postdoctoral scholar will work with others to conduct analyses of secondary data, assist with the construction of a state-level policy database, coauthor peer-reviewed publications, and present research at conferences.

This 2-year postdoctoral position is partly supported by Syracuse University’s Office of Research with Invest Syracuse funds. The Aging Studies Postdoctoral Scholar will receive a salary of $50,000 plus benefits, $1,300 to offset moving expenses, and $1,000 in travel funds per year for conference participation. The position will start on August 2020.
The postdoctoral scholar will have access to university resources and office space at ASI. ASI is located in the heart of the Syracuse University campus and has a vibrant community of 45 faculty representing 17 academic departments.

Three CSDE Trainees (Current and Alumnx) Published in Latest Issue of Demography

The premier journal in the population sciences includes 3 articles by former or current graduate students from the CSDE Training Program.
Congratulations to all!
Their articles can be found in Volume 56, Number 5

CSDE Affiliate Will Receive Gerontological Society of America Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award

Many congratulations to CSDE Affiliate Clara Berridge for being the recipient of the Carroll L. Estes Social Research, Policy, and Practice (SRPP) Rising Star Award, a prestigious award that acknowledges outstanding early career contributions in social research, policy, and practice. This is first time a researcher from the field of social work has received this award.

Clara will officially receive this award at the Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) — the country’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — annual meeting next month.

Population Health Initiative and CSDE Collaborate on Successful Applied Research Project with Seattle-King County Public Health

An interdisciplinary team of five graduate students and undergraduates collaborated over the summer to conduct research that would help assess programming impacts on birth outcomes disparities in Seattle and King County.  The team just delivered its report, Assessing Disparities in Birth Outcomes: An Evaluation of Seattle & King County’s First Steps Program in which the research fellows aimed to contribute towards King County’s work and answer key questions about who is participating in the existing program and what are the current program’s impact on birth outcomes across diverse population groups. The Summer 2019 Applied Research Fellows included Claire Branley (Bachelor of Science in Public Health), Matthew Driver (Master of Public Health), Jane Kim (Doctorate of Nursing Practice), Kiana Rahni (Bachelor of Science in Economics), and Michelle Shin (Doctorate of Nursing). Public Health officials were particularly grateful for the extra time and insight provided by the UW team.  CSDE faculty and staff provided crucial support for the team, including CSDE affiliate Professor Brandon Guthrie (Epidemiology), CSDE Research Staff Dr. Matt Hall and Dr. Christine Leibbrand, CSDE Fellow Hilary Wething, and CSDE Director Sara Curran. Dr. Meher Antia from the Population Health Initiative developed the partnership with King County.

Assistant or Associate Professor of Polar Ecology – Cluster Hire

The University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to fill one position for an assistant professor (tenure-track) faculty position in polar /Arctic ecosystems and ecological modeling. This position is part of a campus-wide cluster hiring initiative to add to the vibrant community focused on “The Emerging Polar Regions” that would work at the intersections among earth system components (cryosphere, atmosphere/ocean, and biosphere). The cluster joins a landscape of existing–and historical–strengths in diverse aspects of polar research at UW-Madison. Units participating in the cluster hire include the Departments of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, Botany, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, Geography, Geosciences, and Integrative Biology. Tenure home will be determined at the time of hire based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and interests. Further information regarding this initiative can be found at: https://facstaff.provost.wisc.edu/cluster-hiring-initiative.

Applicants should submit a single PDF that includes: cover letter, curriculum vitae, the names and contact information of three references, and three statements discussing 1) research interests and directions, 2) teaching interest and philosophy, and 3) contributions to diversity and inclusion, respectively. References of finalists will be contacted and asked to provide a letter of recommendation. These materials must be submitted online at: http://jobs.wisc.edu (search for PVL 100769). The appointment may begin as early as August 17, 2020. The deadline for ensuring full consideration is November 22, 2019, however the position will remain open and applications may be considered until the position is filled. For further information or questions, please direct all correspondence to polarecocluster@wisc.edu.

Community Livability: Learning from Home and the Global Community (10/30/2019)

Join the School of Urban Studies for our Annual Lecture Series. Special guest speaker, Dr. Roger Caves, Professor Emeritus of City Planning, School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University presents: ‘Community Livability: Learning from Home and the Global Community’

Community Livability has become a part of everyday discourse. We read newspaper articles on the lack of affordable housing, inadequate transportation options, low wages, environmental degradation, increasing crime rates, overcrowded schools, lack of parklands, open space, etc.  Who raises the issue of community livability and how does it get on the public policy agenda? Who is ultimately responsible for improving livability? How do our areas become livable communities and how do we maintain community livability?This presentation seeks to answer these and other questions by looking at various case studies from the United States and throughout the world.  We can definitely learn from other areas and adapt and apply what we learn to our own particular geographies.

Wednesday, October 30th
5:30 – 6:30pm
University Y, 3rd floor, room 304
1710 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Questions: uwturban@uw.edu

To request disability accommodation, including American Sign Language interpretation, contact the Disability Resources for Students office at 253-692-4508, drsuwt@uw.edu or submit a request at www.tacoma.uw.edu… preferably at least 10 days in advance of the event.

Two Sigma UW Quant Talk (10/23/2019)

Interested in learning how to apply your passion for math, science, technology, and desire to do impactful work?

At Two Sigma, the community of scientists, technologists and academics collaborate to solve some of the most challenging economic problems.

They rely on the scientific method, rooted in hypothesis, analysis, and experimentation, to drive data-driven decisions, to manage risk, and to expand into new areas of focus. In this way, they create systematic tools and technologies to forecast the future of global markets.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the scientific method to modeling, please join the Quant Talk on 10/23/19 at 6:30PM. There will be snacks and refreshments provided. Please register for a spot if you’re interested in joining.

CSDE Affiliate’s New CSDE Working Group is Meeting Next Week

CSDE Affiliate and Assistant Professor at the UW School of Social Work Jane Lee is starting the “Early Career Women Faculty of Color Working Group”.

This working group aims to support early career women faculty of color by enabling connections, sharing resources for career navigation, and promoting collaborations for research and scholarship. The group seeks to build community and foster a mutual and energizing space to discuss unique issues related to academia for women of color who are early in their careers. While working group members will collectively identify goals and topics for meetings, potential issues to explore may include: mentorship, networking, tenure and promotion, grantsmanship and funding opportunities, and writing workshops.

This working group will meet approximately once a month with the first meeting taking place on Friday, November 1 at 11:30am in the Cascade Room of the UW Club. Lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in joining this Working Group and would like to receive updates or are unable to attend please email Jane Lee at janejlee@uw.edu.