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Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Division of Intramural Research (DIR)
Epidemiology Branch (EB)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Description

The Epidemiology Branch (EB) in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina is recruiting a Title 42 (g) Staff Scientist 1 to support research in the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group and to carry out research on autoimmune diseases across longitudinal cohort studies supported by the Epidemiology Branch, including the Sister Study and the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study, led by Dale Sandler, Ph.D..

Autoimmune diseases can affect almost every organ in the body and can occur at any point across the lifespan. It is estimated that between 23.5 and 50 million Americans are living with autoimmune diseases, making them among the most common chronic conditions in the United States. While autoimmune diseases more commonly affect women, men often experience a more severe autoimmune disease course and face a higher risk of mortality. Despite their high prevalence and serious impact, many autoimmune diseases remain understudied. To address this gap in research, The Chronic Disease Group is carrying out research on environmental and biologic contributors to autoimmune disease risk and autoimmunity.

The Sister Study is a large prospective study of over 50,000 U.S. women enrolled in 2003 to 2009. The study is ongoing, with over 20 years of follow-up data. Data includes baseline and follow-up questionnaire data, including data on prevalent and incident autoimmune diseases, as well as biologic samples and anthropometrics collected at enrollment, and for some participants, at other intervals over follow-up. Subsequent nested case-cohort studies have enriched these data by including complementary genetic, epigenomic, and exposomics data.

The GuLF Study, 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. Biomarker data is available for a sample of the cohort, including genomics, epigenomics, and proteomics data. 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 Sister Study and GuLF Study investigators to provide oversight, management, and scientific leadership for projects using study data to investigate research questions related to autoimmune disease.  These include studies of genetic, epigenetic, and immunoproteomic biomarkers of autoimmune disease and risk factors related to serological profiles of autoimmunity. 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 Sister Study and 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. 

A Staff Scientist 1 is an NIH Title 42 (g) employee generally appointed to a time-limited, renewable position to support the long-term research of a Principal Investigator. Staff Scientists do not receive independent resources but do work independently. 

The appointee may be a U.S. citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-U.S. citizen who is eligible for a valid work authorization.

This position is subject to a background investigation.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) 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.  Preferred candidates will have a proven track record of multi-disciplinary research on effects of environmental exposures on autoimmune disease risk across the life course. Preferred candidates 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, statistical mixture modeling methods, GIS-linked spatial analyses, social/behavioral research, longitudinal or life course analyses, exposure assessment, cohort studies, multi-level models, and/or methods for causal inference.  Prior research on autoimmune or rheumatological diseases, autoimmunity, metabolic dysfunction, chronic diseases, extreme weather events, psychosocial exposures, or other health conditions or environmental exposures plausibly related to autoimmune disease is preferred.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit all materials specified below as a single PDF via email to  Intramural Applications ([email protected]) . All emails should include vacancy number NR161 in the subject line.

A complete application includes:

  1. Curriculum Vitae: Include your full curriculum vitae and bibliography. Please include a description of any mentoring experience, and service, community, teaching and/or outreach activities.
  2. Research Statement: Include a two-page statement of research background and interests.
  3. Copies of 2 relevant published or submitted papers.
  4. Arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to  Intramural Applications ([email protected]) . Letters should be on official letterhead, signed, and dated. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number NR161 in the email subject line.

Incomplete applications or paper applications will not be accepted.

For further information about the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair,  Shanshan Zhao, Ph.D. ([email protected]) . Review of applications will begin on November 30. Applications will be received until position is filled.

Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available. This position includes full Federal benefits, including participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, a Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent), health and life insurance, and paid and annual sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees and job applicants.

Foreign Education:

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must provide an evaluation by an accredited organization to ensure its equivalence to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
DHHS, NIH AND NIEHS ARE EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYERS.
NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community through its training and employment programs. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.