Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Intramural Research Division (DIR)
Epidemiology Branch (EB)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Job Description
The Epidemiology Branch (EB) within the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is recruiting a Tenure-Track Investigator to develop an independent research program on environment and chronic diseases of aging. Scientists within the EB address the mission of NIEHS by carrying out research on the effects of the environment on human health. EB research covers a wide range of conditions with potential links to environmental exposures and includes studies that address health across the lifespan from pregnancy and child development to chronic diseases of aging.
Environmental exposures over the life course may contribute to observed age-related increases in the incidence of chronic diseases. Older individuals may also have increased susceptibility to adverse effects of environmental exposures. Multidisciplinary population-level research that combines epidemiologic, genomic, and molecular data is needed to better understand how environmental exposures throughout life affect chronic disease burden and healthy aging. We therefore seek an epidemiologist interested in the role of the environment in chronic disease, with an emphasis on exposure assessment, disease pathogenesis, and prevention. Areas of focus may include neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, or other chronic diseases, as well as aging-related functional or cognitive outcomes. A new tenure-track investigator may take advantage of EB-supported large prospective cohorts to facilitate aging-related research and collaborate across DIR’s intramural clinical and basic science laboratories for translational or mechanistic research. Familiarity with assessing environmental exposures using approaches including individual level questionnaire data, geospatial data linkages, wearable personal exposure monitoring, and biomarkers is of interest. Additionally, expertise in ‘omics-based research and advanced epidemiologic and statistical methods, including methods for evaluating exposure mixtures and causal inference, would be a plus, as would be experience linking to electronic health records and Medicare data.
The successful candidate is expected to lead an innovative, independent research program exploring environmental exposures, chronic diseases, and aging. Investigators in the NIH intramural program have no formal teaching duties and minimal administrative responsibilities. They are funded internally (no grant-writing required) with the potential for generous long-term continuous support. In exchange, they are expected to engage in high-impact research with postdoctoral fellows and scientific support staff and collaborate with their colleagues to address important scientific problems related to the Institute's mission. Competitive start-up funds, salary, and benefits packages will be provided to the selected applicant. Enterprising candidates may enhance their resources by applying for outside funding that is open to intramural researchers. The NIEHS is located in Research Triangle Park, a world-renowned academic research center in North Carolina well-known for its high quality of life and its proximity to top-tier universities which offer additional opportunities for scientific collaboration, enrichment, teaching, and mentoring through secondary appointments.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a Ph.D., M.D. and/or equivalent doctoral degree with a preference for at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience in their field and an outstanding publication record. The emphasis will be on identifying an exceptional scientist with an innovative and productive research program. Appointees may be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or non-residents of the U.S. with, or eligible to obtain, a valid employment-authorization visa.
Salary/Benefits
The successful candidate for this position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). Please read additional guidance on Selective Service requirements.
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin on August 3, 2026. Interested candidates should submit materials as one combined PDF via email to Intramural Applications at [email protected]. All emails should include vacancy number AC1639 in the subject line.
A complete application package must include:
- Cover Letter
- Full Curriculum Vitae with Bibliography
- Research Statement (Please include a 3-4-page description of your past accomplishments and your future research goals.)
In addition, you must arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to [email protected]. Letters should be on official letterhead when possible and signed. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number AC1639 in the email subject line. Incomplete or paper applications will not be accepted or evaluated.
For further information about the position, please contact Alison Motsinger-Reif, Ph.D. ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin on August 3, 2026, and the search will be closed once the position is filled.
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 U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 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 OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS.