Career Center

The Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position in the field of maternal and child health and/or health disparities. This position offers opportunities for multi-disciplinary collaboration and professional development, including publication, presentation at scientific conferences and involvement in proposal writing.

The applicant has the opportunity to work with several ongoing studies and center programs, including the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) Center of Excellence on Environmental Health Disparities (https://madres.usc.edu) and the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. The research focus of the ECHO Program is to understand both prenatal environmental and psychosocial stressors on child health and development, with a particular focus on airways, obesity, neurodevelopment and pre-, peri- and postnatal health. The MADRES Center is closely aligned with the objectives of the ECHO Program for child health outcomes, but it additionally focuses on maternal health outcomes including maternal depression, cardiovascular risk and chronic stress in the five years after birth. Areas of scientific investigation include maternal and child health effects of prenatal air pollutant, heavy metal and chemical exposures, maternal stress across pregnancy, evaluation of biomarkers (i.e. inflammatory, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular), epigenomics and disparities in exposures and health outcomes.

The successful applicant will be expected to carry out innovative and insightful investigations in the field of maternal and child health research. Responsibilities include but are not limited to leading independent data analyses as well as multi-cohort consortia analyses, assisting with study management, submitting abstracts to and presenting research findings at national scientific meetings, and manuscript and proposal writing in collaboration with principal investigators. The ability to work independently, to proactively seek guidance when needed and to generate his/her own line of research aligned with Center goals is essential.

Specific responsibilities will include the following:

• Generates scientific hypotheses and conducts data analysis from start to finish
• Works independently with minimal supervision
• Writes manuscripts of completed work
• Contributes intellectually to scientific goals

The applicant must have a PhD in epidemiology or biostatistics, or closely related field. The ideal applicant will have relevant experience and interest in maternal and child health, health disparities, and/or environmental health.

Members of health disparity populations or traditionally underrepresented minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Education:Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five yearsMinimum Experience:0-1 yearMinimum Field of Expertise:Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.Preferred Field of Expertise:Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field.Skills: Other:AnalysisAssessment/evaluationCommunication -- written and oral skillsConceptualization and designOrganizationPlanningProblem identification and resolutionProject managementResearchStatistical analysisSkills: Machine/Equipment:CalculatorComputer network (department or school)Computer network (university)Computer peripheral equipmentFaxPersonal computerPhotocopierSupervises: Level:May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers.Comments:A copy of the doctoral diploma or other certification that indicates that the terminal degree has been completed satisfactorily is required. If the doctoral candidate has not yet obtained a degree, he/she should provide evidence that a thesis has been approved together with a documented indication of the expected date of formal graduation. It is the responsibility of the faculty mentor to verify this documentation.